Irish Ayes SPRING 2023

The Big Picture Stepping Up

It has become a tradition that attracts families and alumni from across the community, one that reflects months of planning, media outreach, community coordination, and deep Irish spirit. It’s the moment that those in our community who have faced or are facing cancer gather for the Survivor Walk. With their first steps through the balloon archway, these families begin the annual Relay For Life and kick off a celebration of life and community. The 2022 Relay, once again student-led, brought together more than 1,000 people and raised the highest total per capita of any student-run Relay in the nation. Go Irish!

Cover Photos: Across the community, Father Ryan students are making a difference.

3 IN THE NEWS

Announcing the New Principal; National Merit Honors 12; Cleaning Up Calvary Cemetery; Meet the Hayes Scholars; Honors for Yearbook, Relay, and Students.

16

FEATURE STORY: SERVING THE COMMUNITY Student Stories of Service; Alumni Commitment

Changes Lives; Houses Making an Impact.

Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Bill Stejskal ’79, Chair

John Bumpus ’78, Vice Chair

Brian Callahan, Finance Committee Chair

Committee Chairs

Carmen Mondelli Lux ’91, Advancement

Brett Wesnofske ’88, Facilities

Board Members

Tom Bauer

Rev. Mark Beckman

Tommy Bradley ’81

Barbara Esteves-Moore

Chris Fay

Dr. Shindana Feagins

David Glascoe

Brittney Testerman Griffith ’03

Warner Hassell

Judy Hoover

William Krueger

Philip M. Mattingly, Sr. ’69

Pat Nolan ’69

Judy Komisky Orr ’75

Jack Polson

Thomas Turner

8 ATHLETICS

50 Years of Female Athletics Achievements; State Titles in Swimming, Wrestling, Indoor Track and Field, Rugby; Induction of the Newest Hall of Fame Class.

23 SPIRIT OF PHILANTHROPY

Thanks to our Class Reps.

12

75 Years of the Band; Saluting Jeff Schletzer; Remembering Mrs. Topmiller and Macy’s.

24

ALUMNI NEWS Events on Campus

Welcome Alumni, Families; Legacy Gala Honors Henrys’ Service.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

YOUR 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE GIFT to the Father Ryan Annual Fund helps us carry out the Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service that continues to guide our students today.

To make a gift, visit fatherryan.org/giving

26 CLASS NOTES

Alumni News, Births, Weddings, In Memoriam;  Looking Back at Two State Champs.

Ex-Officio Members

Very Rev. Austin Gilstrap

Rebecca Hammel, Ph.D.

Paul J. Davis ’81

Bishop J. Mark Spalding

Life Trustees

Thomas G. Connor, Sr. ’60

William H. Farmer ’65

Edward B. Gore

J. Terry Hunter

Vincent T. Phillips

William F. Smith

Edward A. Stack

Administration

Paul J. Davis ’81, President

Connie Steinmetz, Chief Financial Officer

Brooke Reusch, Director of Advancement

Jennifer L. Anton, Academic Dean

Joe Crumby ’95, Dean of Students

Amy Duke, Director of Houses

Colleen Maxson, Director of Campus

Ministry and Student Life

Marisol Preston, Director of Admissions

Ann Mullins ’03, Director of Athletics

“Good to be with you, Ryan Nation.”

I have always known that the Father Ryan experience was special with connections that last a lifetime. As a student, I formed close bonds with my classmates, my teammates, and club members. Now as an alumna, my family and I continue to be shaped through these bonds.

I didn’t quite understand the depths of being “Irish for life” until I began my role as the Alumni Engagement and Outreach Manager for Father Ryan High School. To say that I’ve been busy is an understatement, but it has been a delight. Since August, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in meetings with alumni, welcoming proud Irish graduates back to campus, and crafting the role of this office as we move toward the school’s 100th Anniversary next year. Working with the outstanding Advancement Staff to plan and execute events that celebrate our distinctive history has been gratifying. However, the best part of my first six months has been the introduction to the breadth of Ryan Nation.

We are a community of men and women who have had an impact on this campus and on this community, and I’ve been awed and excited to learn about the scope of that impact. I marveled at the turnout from across our generations for the annual Pride in the Pit BBQ Contest and Homecoming game and later at our Ryan Nation Night. I stood in respect with Veterans from our alumni community at our Veterans Breakfast and saw the pride in their service, in their fellow veterans, and in their school. I smiled at the wonder and delight expressed in the eyes of our youngest Junior Irish as they and their parents arrived for a sold-out Breakfast with Santa. I heard the joy in the voices of our guests when they gathered in January at the 44th Annual Legacy Gala to honor Father Ryan parents Sean and Tracey Henry and celebrate this wonderful community.

With every visit from an alum with news on their class or a story from their careers, I grow more excited about Father Ryan. This was never more on display than in greeting and talking with JACK DEEGAN ’47 as he visited with our students last month. With his Class of 1947 sash around his shoulders, he encouraged students to take advantage of their opportunities, here and those to come (see story on page 26). I loved spending time with Jack, and I would love to hear from all of you.

We are starting an alumni speaking program to bring our grads back to speak to our students about their life experiences, careers, and the impact Father Ryan has had on their lives. Let me know if you are interested. Send me news about you and your class, whether it’s about something you’ve done or about a classmate who has passed away and should be recognized or remembered. Whatever the information, I want to tell your stories and those of this incredible Irish community.

May our paths cross soon, and let’s go Irish!

SARA (CARTER) ATWOOD ’04 Alumni Engagement and Outreach Manager

National Merit Honors 12

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation and the College Board have recognized 12 Father Ryan High School students from the Class of 2023 as national scholars.

National Merit Scholars:

CAITLYN AUBERSON ’23, Commended Scholar

MARK CIAMPA ’23, Commended Scholar

KATIE CUMMINGS ’23, Commended Scholar

FAITH GESHWILER ’23, Commended Scholar

RAYMOND HMUIFOO ’23, Commended Scholar

LIAM KANE ’23, Commended Scholar

KATIE MACCLARY ’23, Commended Scholar

CLAIRE MAXWELL ’23, Commended Scholar

FIONA MIKHAIL ’23, Commended Scholar

NICO PAZ ’23, Commended Scholar

GENEVIEVE ST. JACQUES ’23, Commended Scholar

MATTEO WARD ’23, Commended Scholar

College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program: KATIE CUMMINGS ’23

NICO PAZ ’23

College Board National Indigenous Recognition Program: KATIE CUMMINGS ’23

In commending these students’ accomplishments, Father Ryan President PAUL DAVIS ’81 said, “These 12 students have shown exceptional dedication to their academic careers at Father Ryan. Earning this national recognition represents their intellectual strength, and it is a further demonstration of the commitment to academic excellence by the faculty and all our students. We congratulate these honorees on their achievements.”

Learn more about each student at fatherryan.org/academics/academic-honors

Purple Masque Players Light Up the Stage

The Purple Masque Players performed at an exceptionally high level – even by their own standards – with their performances of Beauty and the Beast for last fall’s musical and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe for this spring’s play. The musical cast, featuring ELLA JANE FRANCESCON ’26 as Belle and WILL KLEINER ’24 as The Beast, brought the magic of heartfelt love and affection to center stage at the Center for the Arts.

’24, HARRY PENNE ’24, and ADDIE O’BRIEN ’23 joined Will to play the children who explored the world of Narnia. Accolades from theatergoers from across the community were unanimous in their praise of the productions, staged by Performing Arts directors JULIE COX, LAURI DISMUKE, and KELLI MCCLENDON. The one most-often expressed? “Broadway-caliber shows!” We agree.

ALI JONES

Cleaning Up Sacred Ground

Keeping with “a Tradition of Faith, Knowledge, Service,” dozens of Father Ryan students, faculty, and staff spent November 19 at Calvary Cemetery cleaning up an overgrown grotto down the hill from the main office. This continued work that had been performed previously during Emerald House’s Service Day (see story on page 22).

“This area had been abandoned for quite a while,” explained Deacon Mike Wilkins, director of operations, sales, and marketing for the cemetery. “There was historically a little grotto with a statue of Mary, and out in front of it there was a little pond area that has since been filled in. They did fabulously. I just couldn’t be more pleased.”

Throughout the day of service, the group cleaned up fallen limbs, trimmed bushes, raked debris, and more, as the space became more and more uncovered and visible again. It’s one of the many recent projects to clean up the cemetery.

“One of the things that we’ve been trying to do is partner with the (Diocese of Nashville) wherever we can,” said PAUL DAVIS ’81, Father Ryan President. “We have so many of our community laid to rest out here, so when there was found to be a grotto here that was overgrown … it was an immediate ‘yes.’ We look to our Blessed Mother

as an intercessor and support, especially in times of loss.”

Keeping the cemetery and those buried there in their minds is something Davis encouraged students to do throughout the day, especially the many buried who played a part in Father Ryan’s history. It’s a message that stuck with HENRY BRAEUNER ’24, Father Ryan Chaplain of Immaculata House.

“When people come back and see their loved ones, we want them to have a nice, prayerful time, and we owe it to the people and their families to keep it clean,” he said. “Even though they’ve already been buried, you still have to keep up the cemetery and make it a nice place for them to rest.”

Mr. Davis and students prepare for clean-up with prayer.

Introducing Father Ryan’s New Principal: Francisco “Frank” Espinosa, Jr.

Father Ryan High School welcomes MR. FRANCISCO “FRANK” ESPINOSA, JR. as the school’s new Principal, effective July 1, 2023, according to President PAUL DAVIS ’81 and the Principal Search Committee Co-Chairs, CONNIE STEINMETZ, Father Ryan’s Chief Financial Officer, and BROOKE REUSCH , Father Ryan’s Director of Advancement.

Mr. Espinosa brings over 30 years of experience as an educator and administrator to Father Ryan. Currently, he serves as the Principal of Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to that position, he was the Principal and Senior Vice President of Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition, Mr. Espinosa is a member of the Board of Directors of Xaverian High School, located in Brooklyn, New York, and serves as the chair of its Educational Programs Committee.

In his roles as Principal, Mr. Espinosa led initiatives to revitalize purposeful and rigorous curriculum, develop faith and spiritual formation opportunities for the community, restructure daily operations to improve faculty collaboration, and evaluate school culture to create a more diverse and inclusive climate. Throughout his extensive professional career in Catholic school administration, Mr. Espinosa has continued to teach select classes, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to educating and connecting with students.

“Our search process produced a wide variety of qualified candidates from across the country, but it was clear that Mr. Espinosa truly aligns with the mission of Father Ryan and is the right person to serve as principal as we approach our 100th anniversary,” said Mr. Davis. “He brings a unique perspective from his years of experience as an educational leader, and his dedication to Catholic education will allow Father Ryan to continue to grow in excellence of in all endeavors.

“In talking with his colleagues, Mr. Espinosa is praised as a collaborative, data-driven, and well-respected individual who has excelled in Catholic education. I look forward to working closely with Mr. Espinosa and witnessing the positive impact he will have on our community,” Mr. Davis stated.

Mr. Espinosa earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Louisville, a Master of Education in Secondary Education and Administration, and a Certification in School Leadership-Principalship, both from Spalding University, in Louisville.

“After 30 years of educating and forming young people in the hallmarks of Carmelite and Xaverian traditions, I am honored to continue my work in Catholic education at Father Ryan High School,” reflected Mr. Espinosa. “This opportunity will allow me to partner with colleagues to build upon the school’s culture of high standards and excellence while enhancing this environment, where students grow in their faith and personal potential. Father Ryan’s focus on the development of the student is what attracted me most to this position and the school. I truly believe that to make a difference, we must be able and willing to build an enduring and respectful relationship with our students, based in the mission of the school.”

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Espinosa is an active gardener who enjoys the outdoors. He has been married to his wife, Penny, for 28 years this summer. She is an elementary school principal who enjoys arts and crafts, with a particular talent for making afghans. They have three children: Trey, who lives in Washington, D.C., and the twins, Lindsay and Jacob, who live in Louisville and Lexington, respectively.

Mr. Espinosa succeeds Mr. Davis, who became the 15th head of school in Father Ryan’s 98-year history on July 1, 2022. Father Ryan thanks the Principal Search Committee for their commitment and work throughout this process to find the best person for this role and our community. In addition to the two Co-Chairs, the Principal Search Committee included:

REV. MARK BECKMAN

DOUG BONTRAGER ’81

JOHN BUMPUS ’78

JINX COCKERHAM

LAURA KUTSKO

CHRIS MERIWETHER ’06

DEBBIE (CONNOR) SLOAN ’85

Congratulations, Mr. Espinosa, and welcome to the Father Ryan community.

From left: Frank Espinosa and his wife, Penny; their three children, Lindsay, Trey, and Jacob.

Introducing the First Hayes Scholars

The first Hayes Scholars in Father Ryan history arrived on campus this past August and began to leave their mark on the campus immediately.

The 26 Scholars represent 12 different middle schools. The program is designed to encourage integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a steadfast pursuit of excellence, as well as a spirit of compassionate kindness and generosity. Those characteristics commemorate the legacy and impact of Father Ryan’s late Academic Dean and Assistant Principal, SARA HAYES.

The program consists of four pillars — the Pursuit of Excellence, Intellectual Curiosity, Personal Integrity, and a Spirit of Generosity — which are set to provide the theme for each year of a Scholar’s high school career. The focus for the 2022-2023 school year is the Pursuit of Excellence.

As part of the program’s Fall Reception, the Scholars were honored at the start of a home football game. Scholars and their parents met with the leadership group overseeing the Hayes Scholars Program which consists of 10 faculty and staff members in addition to members of the Academic Dean’s Office. The group aims to serve the students by developing relevant programming — including a special section of Father Ryan’s Freshmen Seminar course — as well as advising, teaching, and mentoring the Scholars on their own personal development along with potential college considerations.

That guidance is instrumental in serving this inaugural class of Scholars’ wide range of interests, with some focused on STEM fields while others have voiced interests in the performing arts or the humanities, and many hope to make international connections. Thus, the Program’s leaders are working to build connections with people and organizations outside Father Ryan that might help Scholars better pursue their individual goals and growth opportunities.

Because high-achieving students often experience anxiety at a higher rate than their peers, another goal is to equip Hayes Scholars with the tools to achieve true success which include social, emotional, and spiritual support in addition to academic.

Hayes Scholars Program chairwoman AMY GRUBBS pointed out that “Father Ryan makes the promise that students ‘will be known and loved’, and the Hayes Scholars Program is dedicated to knowing and loving the whole Scholar - not just their brain.”

Grubbs continued: “That dedication to know and love the whole student is deeply rooted in the example of our namesake, Sara Hayes. As the Academic Dean, Ms. Hayes provided the faculty, staff, and students with a clear and charitable leadership. She lived out – indeed inspired – the

pillars of the Hayes Scholars program, and we turn to our memories of her as we guide Scholars to build lives of integrity, generosity, excellence, and intellectual curiosity.”

For more than 18 years, Hayes called Father Ryan her beloved home, starting in 1998 when she began educating students in Theology, Latin, American Literature, and Spanish. As she progressed to take on the role of Father Ryan’s Academic Dean, Hayes led the school through the introduction of block scheduling and acquiring Dual Accreditation, making Father Ryan the first school to accomplish this. In addition, Hayes oversaw the expansion of Advanced Placement (AP) courses from 15 to 25, and she enhanced Father Ryan’s accreditation through the introduction of a Cum Laude Honor Society chapter. During this stretch, the school saw more than 80 students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Hayes’s lifelong commitment to Catholic education made a difference in the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff.

Appropriately, 26 members of the Class of 2026 are Hayes Scholars. Here are those Scholars.

1. Alexander Alfaro: Elliston House

#1 Relay For Life for 12th Straight Year

Students, faculty, and community members spent a beautiful October day on campus honoring cancer survivors and fighters, participating in fun events to raise money, and walking endless laps around the track as a reminder that no one ever walks alone in the fight against cancer.

It was Relay For Life 2022, and once again, it is the Father Ryan students who earn the plaudits. They are the ones who manage and promote the event, and they raise the funds to make a difference in the lives of the cancer survivors and cancer fighters in our community. Every year, they bring their unique Irish care, love, commitment, and concern to this event, which is why Father Ryan’s Relay For Life has been the top-performing Relay in the nation for 12 years and was nationally recognized in 2020 by the American Cancer Society with the Spirit of Relay Award.

Encouraged by this committed group of students and supported by Tennessee Titans radio spots and a live TV broadcast the day before the event, this year’s Relay For Life drew more than 1,000 participants and raised more than $180,000!

Thank you to Relay For Life Co-Chairs GRACE HOLLAND ’23 and KATE MCDONNELL ’23 and the entire Relay For Life Committee for all their outstanding work to make this event a success.

Yearbook Earns National Award

Father Ryan High School’s yearbook program received the Jostens 2022 National Yearbook Program of Excellence award at the Gold Level. Jostens is the leading producer of yearbooks and student-created content.

The National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body while helping students develop 21st century skills, such as communication, collaboration, and information and communication technologies (ICT) literacy. Father Ryan is one of only 600 books to receive Gold Level this year out of more than 15,000 Jostens school books printed in 2022.

Father Ryan’s award-winning yearbook program was led last year by ABBY JASKOSKI ’22 and FRANCESCA MATTUS ’22 , and this year is led by GRACE MACLAUGHLIN ’23 and KYRA PARIS ’23 , under the direction of PAULA HARRIS, Father Ryan faculty member and yearbook adviser.

“Last year’s staff set high goals and wanted to produce an outstanding book,” Harris said. “They worked together to ensure that we told the story of the school year while including as many students as possible. We are proud to see this good work honored nationally by Jostens.”

Freshman Artist Honors House Saints

At the Diocese of Nashville’s All Schools Mass, RACHEL RODRIGUEZ ’26 presented Bishop Spalding with a special gift in honor of the 5th anniversary of his ordination. Rodriguez drew a detailed art piece featuring all six saints from our House System as a gift to the Bishop and as an example of Father Ryan’s dedication to Catholic education. Thank you to Bishop Spalding for leading all Diocesan schools in Mass, and thank you, Rachel, for sharing your incredible talents with our community!

50 Years of Female Athletics Excellence

Lady Irish Athletes Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Title IX

When Father Ryan began enrolling females in the fall of 1970, the school welcomed these newest students onto the campus, into the classrooms, and – importantly – onto the court.

At a time when women’s sports were receiving scant attention and schools were relegating them to secondary practice times, Father Ryan fielded its first girls team – the 1970-71 Basketball Team. For Father Ryan Hall of Fame Coach JINX COCKERHAM, a long-time coach who helped lead the girls sports program, it wasn’t always easy. Practice time was tough, finding uniforms was a challenge, but she remembers the school and the student body supporting the female student-athletes. This was two years before a piece of legislation was passed that made equal opportunity for women in sports a reality – even though the bill didn’t include the word “sports.” With this backdrop, last September Father Ryan hosted a special discussion about the 50th anniversary of Title IX and its continued impact on today’s female student-athletes. And it seems that this major milestone provided a prompt for a remarkable run of success by the Irish female teams, even by the program’s already lofty standards.

If you missed the live stream of the discussion, visit https://vimeo. com/746989014

Irish Swim Claims Two Titles

In the long annals of Father Ryan Swim and Dive performances, there has never been a State Championship Irish relay team... until now. After winning the Region Championship earlier this winter, PARKER LYNCH ’23 (backstroke), GWEN BAKKER ’23 (breaststroke), LUCY TRAILOV ’25 (butterfly), and KAITLYN BARNES ’23 (free), won the State Championship in the 200-yard Medley Relay. With that win, they became the first relay State Champions in school history, qualified for first-team AllState selection, and earned consideration for All-American . That wasn’t the only title. Bakker won the State Championship in the 100-yard breaststroke –breaking her own school record for the third time since the Region Championship — which earned her first-team All-State accolades as well as AllAmerican consideration.

In addition, Father Ryan swam to high finishes in several individual races. Trailov earned first-team All-State honors and All-American consideration with her 2nd place finish in the 100-yard butterfly. In that race, she broke the school record that had stood since 1994 by 2.14 seconds. Lynch joined her teammates with first-team All-State selection and All-American consideration by finishing in 4th and 5th in the 50yard freestyle and 100-yard backstroke while breaking her own current school record by 0.31 seconds and 1.21 seconds, respectively.

Hall of Famers Lead Special Panel

The Hall of Fame induction of the 1974 Girls Basketball Team, the first Irish girls basketball squad to claim the District Championship, was the impetus for a special panel to reflect on and discuss the impact of Title IX in 1972 and its importance today.

More than 175 of our female student athletes and their coaches filled the PATRICK SIMPSON ’74 Wrestling Room to hear New York Times best-selling author Andrew Maraniss discuss his latest book, Inaugural Ballers: The True Story of the First U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball Team. He then joined Coach Cockerham and members of the 1973-74 girls basketball team – Hall of Famer KAY BATEY ’74, ANN (FLOERSH) QUARTERMAN ’74, PAULA (HOLLORAN) KENNEDY ’75, ANN (MCREDMOND) WADDEY ’76, and SARAH (PETRE) MULLINS ’77 - to reflect on their experience in athletics during this pivotal time in history. These influential women provided insight to our current female student-athletes and encouraged them to be grateful for all the opportunities made possible by Title IX. Athlete or not, all the students who were present learned from the panelists’ diverse perspectives and memorable experiences as they reflected on how Title IX has established such a lasting impression for athletes across all sports.

Finally, Father Ryan is proud to have five swimmers — ANABELLE DRAGAN ’23, CLAIRE PLATEK ’23, JACKSON GREENWALT ’23, Barnes, and Lynch — earn NISCA Academic All-American recognition. To earn this honor, the student-athlete must have a 93.75 overall GPA after seven semesters. These five are part of a group of just 7,000 students nationwide who did so.

Three’s a Charm for Grace Feltner

GRACE FELTNER ’23 enters the spring semester of her Senior year training for her third season of Track, having run Cross Country for four years and Track for each of the last two years. The Track season in Feltner’s Freshman year (2020) was cancelled due to the pandemic. Each year that Feltner ran Cross Country, she was either the No. 1 or No. 2 runner on the team. During her Freshman Cross Country season, Feltner was a first-team All-State selection as she set the all-time school record. As a Sophomore, she earned second-team All-State honors, helping to lead the Lady Irish to a runner-up finish in the final Division II-AA State rankings. She continued her run well into the spring, as she was a member of the 3,200-meter relay team that won the Division II-AA Middle Tennessee Sectional race and finished third in the State meet. That’s when Feltner added to her résumé. At the end of her Sophomore year, she approached Girls Cross Country and Track Head Coach ROBERT KENT ’74 about playing Soccer while continuing to run Cross Country.

Title IX celebrants (from left) Mullins, McRedmond, Kennedy, Cockerham, Maraniss, Floersh, and Batey inspire students.

Everyone in the pool: Academic All-Americans and State Champion Relay Team celebrate a big season.

“My experience doing both was stressful at times, but the Soccer Team welcomed me, and I really thrived,” Feltner said. “I am so glad I got to play Soccer at the high school level because I thought that was something I would never do. It was truly a blessing, and I will remember those two years because of it.”

“If anyone could handle the training and competition for each sport, it would be Grace,” Soccer Head Coach ROBIN DIETERICH ’73 said. “Grace was very responsible and very conscientious about how playing two sports was affecting her physical well-being.”

“Participating in two sports in the same season was demanding and time-consuming, but Grace was up to the challenge,” Kent reflected. She certainly was. Feltner once again was named a second-team AllState selection during her Junior Cross Country season in 2021, thanks to her win in the inaugural Speedway Shootout Cross Country Invitational which earned her The Tennessean’s Midstate Girls Athlete of the Week. In tandem with Cross Country in the fall, Feltner also kicked off her Soccer career with seven goals.

“It truly takes a special athlete to be able to handle two varsity sports in the same season and be successful in both,” Athletic Director ANN MULLINS ’03 stated. “I loved watching Grace take on the challenges of a team sport while also handling different challenges in an individual sport.”

Although Feltner’s Senior Cross Country season was cut short due to injury, she surpassed her 2021 Soccer totals in 2022, when she scored eight goals and added two assists to finish tied for 3rd on the team in both goals and total points. That performance helped the Soccer Team to another strong season, falling just short of the State Final Four.

Kent has been extremely proud of Feltner throughout her time at Father Ryan. “Grace is organized, goal-oriented, and highly motivated,” Kent remarked. “She has been a pleasure to coach.” Dieterich agrees. “Grace is a tremendous athlete,” he added. “ When Grace makes a commitment to doing something, she is all in.”

Tee it Up! Reagan Robinson Claims State Honors

Less is more.

That is the mindset in various settings in life, especially on the golf course, when fewer strokes will lead to greater levels of success.

REAGAN ROBINSON ’23 followed that approach throughout her Father Ryan career, never more so than in late September when she put on a shot-making display that brought her to the brink of the State Championship.

Robinson posted a 1-under-par score of 69 in the second round of the tournament, the lowest single-round score by any student-athlete for the entire tournament and the lowest State Tournament score in Father Ryan history. Combined with her opening-round 75, her 144 total earned her 2nd place in the Championship. How close to first was she? Robinson birdied #17 to cut the deficit to a single stroke. She played the 18th aggressively to force a tie, but the needed birdie didn’t come, and she finished two strokes back.

Thanks to this performance and her stellar play as a captain during her Senior season, Robinson earned a nomination for the Middle Tennessee High School Sports Awards (MTHSSA) program’s Golfer of the Year. She also followed up her selection to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) DII-AA All-State Golf Team in 2021 with another selection in 2022.

“Reagan has been a model of consistency,” Head Coach GREG THOMPSON said. “She shows up every day with a smile on her face, works hard, and cares for others. She has been an inspiration to her teammates and the coaches.”

In addition, Robinson received the First Tee ACE Certification — earned by fewer than 1% of participants nationally — which is viewed as “the Eagle Scout Award of golf” by many in the industry. This accolade comes thanks to her impressive performance on the course, her volunteer involvement with LPGA and USGA Girls Golf, and her service as a volunteer Golf coach during the spring programming with the younger students at the Nashville chapter of The First Tee. In addition, she has been a pen pal with a Ukrainian high school student for several years, a connection that Robinson shared with her classmates through ZOOM calls which helped her and her fellow students gain perspective on the situation faced by Ukrainians in the midst of war.

“I wanted to give back to a community that opened so many doors for me,” Robinson said when asked about her interest in this work. “Not only do I love the athletic portion of the game, but I also love the camaraderie that it brings. I am grateful that I can participate in organizations that expand the reaches of golf and allow people to share in the sport that I love so much.”

Robinson’s golf career won’t stop here. After receiving offers from Division I, Division II, and Division III universities, Robinson will continue as a student-athlete at Washington University in St. Louis.

Lady Ruggers Claim the Trophy

Since its start in 2021, the Father Ryan’s Lady Irish Rugby Team has quickly become one of the best girls high school clubs in Tennessee. They added to that reputation with a historic run to the Rugby 7s State Title this fall.

In tournament pool play, the Lady Irish faced formidable opponents in Soulsville, Riverdale, and ICRON. Getting out of the pool play, the club then made it to the final match where they faced the #1 seeded club, Columbia Central. The Lady Irish defeated Columbia by two points in the final match to claim their first 7s State Championship. In addition, GABBY GROVE ’23 was named MVP.

“We are proud of all the players for their efforts, and we are thankful to everyone who is involved in making our program happen,” said Head Coaches KRISTEN HANRATTY and JESSICA KNOWLES . “Thank you to all the parents, friends, coaches, and players for an amazing 7s season. We can’t wait to be back in the spring to begin our 15s season.”

Girls Basketball

Father Ryan had a successful season on the hardwood, even overcoming a number of injuries to several starters during the postseason. Over Christmas, the Lady Irish emerged victorious in the Smoky Mountain Winter Classic in Gatlinburg, securing the championship thanks to a 31-19 win over Bell County (KY) in the finals. Carrying that momentum into the postseason, the Lady Irish made it all the way to the semifinals of the Region Tournament and qualified for State before losing to Briarcrest from Memphis in the quarterfinals.

Volleyball Digs In

Driven by a successful stretch in September, Father Ryan Volleyball notched a five-game winning streak with victories over Centennial, Lipscomb, Brentwood Academy, Harpeth Hall, and CPA. The Irish were able to bring that momentum into the final games of the regular

season which featured a home win over Pope John Paul II and road wins at Ensworth and St. Cecilia.

That late-season run propelled Father Ryan to the Division II Regional Championship! The Irish brought that energy into the State Tournament, and while they came up short in the quarterfinal against Briarcrest, the level of sustained success brings plenty of hope for Father Ryan in the coming years.

Indoor Track and Field

ADDISON BELLETETE ’26 was State Runner-Up in Long Jump and Triple Jump, and DRAKE CARLSON ’23 claimed the Shot Put State Title with a PR throw of 58-4. This marks the second Indoor State Championship in Carlson’s career and adds to his State Titles in Discus and Shot Put for the 2022 Outdoor season.

Celebrating Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

Father Ryan welcomed the newest class of the Athletics Hall of Fame last September in an induction ceremony on campus and during halftime of the home football game vs. Cane Ridge. It’s an impressive group of eight athletes, one coach, three contributors, and one team.

Athletes

PAUL BARNARD ’50, Baseball and Basketball (represented by his wife, Jo Anne Barnard)

JOE BENEDICT ’63, Baseball and Basketball

ROBERT L. “BOBBY” BERRY ’42, Basketball and Football (represented by his daughter, Beth Berry)

JOE CRUMBY ’95, Basketball

CHRISTY CSORNA ’99, Cross Country, Track and Field

MICHAEL J. HOOKER ’74, Football, Track and Field, Wrestling

JOCELYN P. ROBERTSON ’76, Basketball

CHRISTINA “WHIT” WHITLEY ’00, Basketball, Volleyball Coach

BILL BRUNNER ’77

Contributors

FR. BILL FLEMING ’49 (represented by Ann Krenson)

EVERETT “HOSEY” HOLZAPFEL ’59

CHUCK MERIWETHER ’74 (represented by his sons, JEREMY ’04 and CHRIS ’06 MERIWETHER)

Team:

1973-74 GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM

Father Ryan is proud to welcome these outstanding alumni into the Hall of Fame.

Sports Round-up

peers as a coach who “gets more out of his kids than anyone I know.” The Irish proved that again this season.

The Boys Basketball Team enjoyed another strong run in the WILLIE BROWN ’65 Memorial Tournament at Christmas, finishing second, and celebrated a season sweep of Pope Prep before dropping its Regional Quarterfinals game to CPA. One of the highlights of the campaign was the 19-point victory over Ensworth on the final Saturday of January, setting the table for a thrilling end to the month. In addition, DREW EMERSON ’23 sank a game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds to take down the Knights once again which helped to showcase the strong talent and leadership of the team’s five seniors: BRYSHON JACKSON ’23, Emerson (led team in rebounds), CARTER LYNCH ’23 (team’s best defender), KAM BAAH-SLAY ’23 (led team in scoring), and JAMES HINSON ’23 (led team in assists).

Boys Golf

Wrestling – It’s Time for Banner #26

Father Ryan secured the 2023 State Dual Wrestling Championship for the first time since 2017! Coach PAT SIMPSON ’74 led the team to a dramatic win over Baylor, 33-28, for the second State Duals Title in seven seasons and the 26th State Wrestling Title in school history.

The success did not stop there. Irish Wrestling finished 2nd overall in the State, losing to Baylor by only 10 points and earning three individual State Championships, a pair of State Runner-up finishes, and six additional 3rd/4th results.

JOE CALVIN ’24 (120), CASEN ROARK ’25 (132 – second State Title), and CHANCERY

DEANE ’25 (145) (bottom right) each secured individual State Championships in their respective weight classes, with TANNER

TRAN ’26 (106) and MATT OBERLANDER ’23 (170) earning State Runner-up honors.

ETHAN LAMPERT ’25 (113), BRODY

GOBBELL ’25 (126), and TIM BRUNET ’23 (195) added to the team’s success with thirdplace efforts, and ARON TENPENNY ’25 (138), SAWYER RUTHERFORD ’25 (152), and ABRAHAM CROMARTIE ’23 (285) finished in fourth place.

To top off this exceptional season, Coach Simpson was named the National Prep Coach of the Year for 2023 at the National Prep Wrestling Championships in Maryland. Congratulations to all!

Football

Father Ryan Football opened the 2022 season with a pair of solid wins in the first month of the season, with the Irish securing a close and hardfought 10-7 win over Brentwood High and an impressive 48-28 Thursday night win at Cane Ridge just two weeks later.

The Irish were a force in every game of the DII-AAA schedule, with four of Father Ryan’s final six games decided by just one possession, a clear indication of the Irish’s talent and a good sign for the team in 2023.

Boys Basketball

In a recent opinion poll of area high school basketball coaches, Boys Basketball Head Coach DOUG BONTRAGER ’81 was praised by his

This season was a full team effort for Father Ryan Golf, with many different highlights for the team throughout the fall. LUKE CARROLL ’24, who played in the inaugural US Adaptive Open at Pinehurst in North Carolina, played as the Irish’s top golfer all season. Early in the season, ROBERT PAREIGIS ’23 shot a blazing 4-under 32 on the front nine at Windyke Country Club in Memphis, and COLIN SULLIVAN ’25 had a hole-inone at the Irish Invitational. The team also played extremely well in the Champions Run Invitational, placing first ahead of McCallie and Pope Prep.

Boys Rugby

The Boys Rugby 7s announced their presence at State to reach the Championship game for the second straight season, losing to 901 Rugby Club in the final.

Hockey

Starting the season in the lower division, the Irish hockey team took the season by storm, winning eight of their first nine games. After winning a mid-season round robin tournament, the Irish moved back up to the upper division for the second half of the season, giving them a chance to compete for the Predators Cup for the first time since 2019-20. Fueled by a 4-1 win over Pope Prep — the Irish’s first win over the Knights since the 2019-20 season — Father Ryan made it all the way to the semifinals of the tournament, but ultimately fell to Brentwood in a thrilling overtime game.

More Sports

To round out a robust season, CROSS COUNTRY girls finished 3rd in the State and the boys were 5th. BOWLING sent two to State, and COMPETITION CHEER finished 2nd in Traditional and 4th in Game Day competition at the America’s Cheerleading Cup.

75 Years of Band: Saluting Jeff Schletzer’s 41 Years as our Music Man

“The heart and soul of Father Ryan are the teachers,” says Mr. JEFF SCHLETZER, recently retired band teacher at Father Ryan. “The students change and the campus may change and buildings may change, but the love of the teachers for their students and of education will always remain.”

It is fitting that Mr. Schletzer would sing the praises of his fellow colleagues when asked what he learned during his 41 years at Father Ryan. As humble and gracious as anyone and the first to share in any accolades, Mr. Schletzer was a fixture of the arts program at Father Ryan and created an internationally-known band program through his love of music and education.

Mr. Schletzer’s love of music began in high school, participating in summer band camps at Austin Peay State University. He enjoyed those camps so much, he decided to attend Austin Peay where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Music Education degrees. Soon after graduating, he spent his first four years teaching high school music in McEwen, Tennessee.

By the fourth year of his tenure, Mr. Schletzer helped the band reach eighth in the state for its group, an amazing feat for a small school.

During his time at McEwen, band director opportunities at Father Ryan kept opening up, but because of the special program he was building at McEwen, he had no intention of leaving. In fact, he turned down the job four times before he finally gave in.

“I truly felt God was calling me to take this job,” Mr. Schletzer remembers. “So, we packed up and moved to Nashville. I figured it was time.”

Mr. Schletzer started in 1981 at Father Ryan and began plugging away at building a competitive band similar to what he had done at McEwen. In his early years at Father Ryan, the band competed in several festivals, and within four years, they began winning awards. He also began developing and bringing band

The Leader of the Band:

Dorothy Topmiller and the Band’s First Steps

Every Father Ryan student and alum from 1960 on knows the fight song, right? Singing to the music of the Notre Dame Fight Song, the words roll off easily… “Cheer, cheer for ole Father Ryan.”

However, that isn’t the original Father Ryan fight song. Back in 1947, the song that got the Irish student body fired up was the product of a Kentuckian with a talent for music and a love of marching bands.

DOROTHY TOPMILLER came to Father Ryan in 1946, the first female lay teacher in school history, and she brought her sheet music. A native of the Bluegrass State, Dot, as she was known, grew up in Bowling Green, graduating in 1934 from Bowling Green High, whose color – perhaps prophetic – was purple. She played in the band and performed in a variety of theatrical productions there and studied music in college, becoming an accomplished organist and pianist.

However, for the Irish, it was on Elliston Place that she left her mark. In the spring of 1947, she worked with faculty member FATHER EUGENE EISELEIN to organize a Marching Band, and a number of young men who were used to wearing the purple for the Irish on the football field or basketball court donned a different uniform. It was official, formal, with sash and belt and hat, and the men who filled it out became musicians, even if they weren’t ones when they put on the band uniform for the first time.

By the fall, the band was more than 60 members strong, and they were performing on campus, at events, and at games, rousing the Irish spirit across the community. The song that became their hallmark? It was the school’s official fight song, The Panther Song, lyrics and music by Charles T. Finney and arranged by Dot Topmiller. The words still roll easily off the tongue of alumni of the 50s today.

“Stand and cheer for the Panthers. You loyal sons of Father Ryan…”

Miss Topmiller continued to serve as Band Director and Fine Arts instructor through 1952 and went on to serve the music and band communities in Middle Tennessee the rest of her career. While her stay at Father Ryan was brief, her impact was lasting, best seen in the Marching Band’s 75 years of performance excellence and the lines of a song that you can still hear…

“Get in the game and fight

For the glory of Father Ryan.”

From there, Mr. Schletzer and the band began competing, and later winning, larger band competitions. The benchmark initially was to get to the Music City Invitational hosted by McGavock High School, where the bands compete against bands of similar size. It took about 10 years, but Father Ryan eventually made the finals, and then a few years later, they won the top prize: the Mayor’s Cup. It was a huge stepping stone that meant they could start looking at competing at Winter Guard International (WGI), which is known as the world’s premier organization producing indoor color guard, percussion, and winds competitions.

“The band experience was the difference-maker for me in high school. It gave me a place to fit in and enjoy meeting some wonderful friends,” said DEBBIE (CONNOR) SLOAN ‘85 . “Jeff Schletzer started at Father Ryan my freshman year and was so young and energetic himself that he made the band fun. By my senior year, when I was Field Commander, we were taking trips to Disney World and throughout TN and KY for competitions. It has been amazing to see the band grow over the years and even up through the time my own son [CONNOR ‘16] was Field Commander.”

At WGI, the Father Ryan drumline put together amazingly creative shows, such as a basketball themed show that had the drumline competing against each other in a game complete with a Bobby Knight character throwing a chair and the instrumentalists spinning basketballs on their fingers. The accolades continued to come as Father Ryan won three championships and three bronze medalists at WGI.

hardware, winning a regional at Finals and later making the Grand Nationals semi-finals and placing in the top 30 bands in the nation.

“All of these accomplishments come from the kids,” says Mr. Schletzer. “It is the kids who made this happen – not the instructors. The kids are the ones who are out there every day putting in the work, and I am just so proud of them.”

Mr. Schletzer is also quick to name all of his co-instructors who worked to help create the memorable shows that are still talked about at WGI and Bands of America competitions today. He mentions long-time Father Ryan band instructors and friends, Jerry Beckman, Bob Chandler, David England, JEREME FREY, John Harvill, Joe Jones, and Eric Majors. And of course, his sons, DEREK ’95 and DUSTIN ’00 SCHLETZER, whom he had the privilege of teaching at Father Ryan and later working with as colleagues.

He also thanks his wife, Sheree, whose support never wavered, even when he was often gone to band or drumline competitions, and Father Ryan’s beloved former Academic Dean, Sara Hayes, who passed away in 2019.

“Sara was such a huge supporter of the band and what we were trying to

“It is the kids who made this happen – not the instructors. The kids are the ones who are out there every day putting in the work, and I am just so proud of them.”

do,” remembers Mr. Schletzer. “She truly believed in the band, these kids, and us. She was such a cheerleader for us; she even came to our World Championships.”

But with all of his success, there are three moments in particular that he will remember always: when the band was selected to play in the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade, a honor that is only bestowed on a few bands in the country; when he was the honoree at Father Ryan’s annual Legacy Gala in 2012, and when he was awarded the inaugural Christ the Teacher Award by the Diocese of Nashville.

The Christ the Teacher Award is presented each year to a teacher who has taught in one of the 16 diocesan schools for more than eight years and “exhibits outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to Catholic education, and designs or implements a

program that serves not only the school but the community.”

“Winning Christ the Teacher really meant a lot,” says Mr. Schletzer. “It was humbling and gratifying.”

With all the love and work Mr. Schletzer poured into Father Ryan students and students at schools throughout the diocese, it is no wonder he was the first diocesan teacher to win this award.

Mr. Schletzer leaves behind an important legacy, not only for the diocese but for Father Ryan as well. He, along with his many colleagues, built an important arts program that reached the pinnacle of success and a place where all students felt welcome and that they belonged.

The Sounds of the City: 10 Years Ago

However, the moment recounted by everyone on that trip was the drive after the Parade. Having awakened at 1:30am to prepare for their dress rehearsal and then marching until almost 10:00 am, the band climbed back on the bus, moved into line behind a police escort, and drove an hour and a half to a part of New York untouched by the Parade but ravaged by the impact of SuperStorm Sandy. It was in that section of Queens that the band registered its finest moment, gathering their energy and marching and playing for the citizens of Far Rockaway. The experience still makes the band members smile.

JOSEPH MCCLUNEY ’13, who played snare drum for the Irish and now teaches at St. Bernard Academy, doesn’t remember much about the Parade, but he does remember the trip afterward.

“The thing that was most memorable about the trip was going to Far Rockaway. We drove there right after Macy’s and marched through that neighborhood,” McCluney said. “I really credit the Schletzers for taking us there and putting this on our radar. They really embodied the mission of Father Ryan. The whole Macy’s experience was not just about marching in the parade. It was about doing good for someone else. I really appreciate that they gave us the opportunity to do that.”

It’s impossible to write about the band without writing about one of the most important and remembered moments in the group’s history, one that drew the largest audience ever to see them perform, and one that registered its proudest moment far from that cheering crowd. It was November 2012, a mere 10 years ago this past Thanksgiving, when the 83 members of the Father Ryan Marching Band, their directors, and a caravan of Irish faithful traveled to New York City to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time. The trip, which included visits to the 9/11 Memorial, a night with the Blue Man Group Show on Broadway, and Mass each day, proved to be a showcase of the group’s musical talents. More than 3 million people lined the Parade route, and the cheers for the Irish musicians and their eye-catching uniforms were loud up and down 6th Avenue.

KARA (ANTON) PUCKETT ’13 (see page 20) still smiles when thinking about the day. “It almost feels weird to think that this was over 10 years ago now,” Puckett said. “I still feel giddy every time I watch the video of our performance. Every year when Thanksgiving time rolls around, I am reminded of what a truly amazing experience this was for all of us.”

It has been 10 years, but the memories remain vivid, and the impact on our community is still alive. As LIZ HAYNES ’13 wrote back in 2012, just days before the band left Nashville, “Today, my Thanksgiving has a new recipe. It calls for 82 of my closest friends, traveling to New York, marching down 6th Avenue, carrying a history of 88 years, ‘Call Me Maybe,’ ‘Gangham Style,’ and a bit of hope for the people of New York.” That was Marching to Macy’s, Father Ryan style.

“To Be an Experience of the Living Gospel”

Serving others is an important part of our Tradition, one that engages and prepares all Father Ryan students to be active and caring members of their community.

Recently, Father Ryan has instituted a service learning requirement for each grade level and engaged the House System in community service, all with the goal of challenging students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to service in their community. The hope is that this focus on service will instill a responsibility to respond to the Gospel call of serving others and will encourage Father Ryan students and graduates to to act justly in regards to poverty, oppression, and marginalization in every aspect of their lives.

In the following pages, we profile four Father Ryan students whose volunteer hours stretch far beyond a class or a requirement, solely because it is the right thing to do. We introduce you to two alumni whose lives are focused on service. We share how the House System is engaged in every instance to serve the community and live our mission. They are engaged because giving back to others is where they find purpose and where they “see the face of God.”

Students Dedicated to Service

home life, and the ability to go to a store and get what I need. These children live in such hard conditions, but the joy and willingness to want to get an education was a sight to see. I’m lucky, and I need to do what I can to help others.”

Kemi continues to direct Kemi’s Friends even while she stays busy at Father Ryan with five AP classes, her work as basketball manager, as a tutor at Mathasium, and as a competitive fencer. As if that isn’t enough, she also spends her time as President of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is a leader in the Multi-Cultural Student Union.

KEMI TELA ’23 ’s introduction to serving others began at a young age. Raising their children away from their home country, Kemi’s parents wanted their children (Kemi, Wabi ’14, and Kahwit ’17) to remain connected to their family and Congolese culture. Kemi vividly remembers traveling often to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a young child. While they were there for Christmas one year, the Telas took part in helping their grandmother feed the shegues –orphans who lived on the street, many of whom were former child soldiers.

“Seeing the conditions these children were living in was shocking,” remembers Kemi. “There are 50,000 shegues across the country who were our age or even younger. All they had were the clothes on their backs, and the conditions they were living in were atrocious.”

Seeing the plight of the shegues and how her grandmother interacted and cared for them inspired Kemi’s brother, Wabi, to start a non-profit called Kemi’s Friends. Kemi means “God is taking care of you” in Nigerian, which seemed like a perfect fit for this organization. Through Kemi’s Friends, the Telas collected more than 1,100 pounds of clothing in one summer to ship to the shegues in Congo.

“There are so many kids who have been through traumatic experiences in Congo and elsewhere,” says Kemi. “We wanted to let them know there is someone watching out for them who wants the best for them.”

While Kemi was too young to take part in managing Kemi’s Friends when it launched in 2011, she helped with the clothes drive and outreach to the community. By 2016, she was ready to take the lead.

Her real passion is Kemi’s Friends, and she is focusing now on bringing clean water to her family’s home village of Ngwene in the Congo and to other villages in need of safe drinking water. Inspired by and partnering with her grandmother to do this work, Kemi has created the foundation and is awaiting the official 501 (c) 3 designation to begin fund-raising. She has already partnered with Ripple, an environmentally-conscious provider of water bottles, to help with the initiative.

“Villagers in small villages in Congo do not have water systems, so they have to walk miles to find clean water to drink, bathe in, and cook with,” explains Kemi. “Sadly, the burden of getting the water usually falls on girls, so this takes away their ability to get an education. Therefore, by helping Ngwene and other villages get wells, not only will we be giving them access to a basic human need like water, but we will be helping girls stay in school.”

Her first act in managing Kemi’s Friends started with a school supplies drive while she was at St. Edward for a school her grandmother sponsored in a village called Myunga. Kemi and her friends at St. Edward School, and through the non-profit, collected more than 150 pounds of lightlyused school supplies. Then, after delivering the supplies to Myuga, Kemi experienced an unexpected lesson in gratitude.

“When we delivered the supplies, the joy on the faces of these children to receive five new pencils was amazing, and it was a true reckoning for me,” Kemi shares. “I live in a country with a stable government, a good

AMELIA THIBEAULT ’24 has a regular spot she visits most days after school and on every school break. A place she visits with her friends to catch up on the latest news while sharing a bite to eat. Loaves & Fishes, a food kitchen at Holy Name Catholic Church on Main Street in Nashville, may not be your typical high school hangout, but it is where Amelia feels at home.

Amelia’s first memory of helping the homeless was visiting the Rescue Mission with her mom when she was nine years old, but it wasn’t until she visited Loaves & Fishes as a part of a Father Ryan service project that she really felt called to serve.

“I used to think of service hours as a chore – something that I needed to do to just get my hours in,” recalls Amelia. “But, after visiting Loaves & Fishes and connecting with some of the patrons there, something inside of me just clicked. This is where I want to be.”

Amelia volunteers so often at Loaves & Fishes that she has become fast friends with many of the regulars, such as Edward, who loves to sing Gospel music. Now, in between Basketball and Rugby practices and her duties as a student ambassador along with all her other extracurricular activities, Amelia spends any free time at Loaves & Fishes serving a hot breakfast and lunch to patrons like Edward and helping them find

“We wanted to let them know someone is watching out for them who wants the best for you.”

Providing resources to underserved Congolese communities is Tela’s goal.

Thibeault (2nd from left) poses with her friends at Loaves & Fishes.

resources that persons experiencing homelessness often lack.

“When I went to Loaves & Fishes over Fall Break, someone asked if we had any gloves we could spare,” Amelia shares. “It is so cold out, but we didn’t have anything we could give them. I wouldn’t want to be in that situation, so I decided I needed to find a way to help.”

Jumping into action, Amelia organized a winter coat drive at school to collect coats, gloves, hats, and scarves that she could deliver to Loaves & Fishes.

“It is amazing to see their faces when they receive these gifts,” Amelia says. “It is like a kid opening a present on Christmas and a reminder to me of how important these basic needs are to all people.”

Through her time at Loaves & Fishes, she has learned something else the patrons need, which has influenced her plans for the future.

“I’ve talked to some people at Loaves & Fishes who had to take five buses to get there,” explains Amelia. “It just breaks my heart that it is not easy for them to get food to eat, so I would like to start another non-profit similar to Loaves & Fishes to make it easier for these persons to find the food they need.”

SOFIA LOIAZA ’26 may only be a freshman at Father Ryan, but she is certain what she wants to do when she graduates. A lover of biology and math, Sofia has already decided she wants to attend Johns Hopkins University to train to become a pediatric physician or nurse. She found her love for helping young kids while volunteering at Southern Starrs, a therapeutic and recreational horseback riding program in Lebanon for children and adults with special needs. Although she had never ridden a horse before, Sofia immediately connected with the program when she began volunteering a year and a half ago.

“We have a range of special needs students who come to Southern Starrs,” explains Sofia. “I’ve worked with kids who are severely autistic, ones who have epilepsy, and others who have Down syndrome. Now, when I am a doctor or nurse and I have an autistic patient come in, I will know I may need to change the way I interact with them.”

Volunteering with Southern Starrs is more than just getting her service hours or helping her gain experience for her resumé. Sofia heads over to the stables every Saturday from 8:00-noon because she enjoys helping others.

“These kids are sometimes living with severe disabilities,” Sofia says. “If I can help in a small way by having fun with them, then it benefits all of us.”

RAYMOND HMUIFOO ’23 ’s chess skills may rival Bobby Fischer’s or the fictional Beth Harmon’s from Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit,” but he isn’t looking to become the next Grand Master Chess Wizard or achieve international fame like Bobby or Beth. He is just looking to make connections, build relationships, and curate a well-lived life. He believes he can do that best through the game of chess.

Raymond became interested in chess when he was younger because he liked the way the pieces looked, was intrigued by the geometry of the board, and was drawn to the rules of the game, but he has continued to

play the game because of the people he has met.

“Chess is an amazing game that builds connections in unlikely places,” shares Raymond. “I love it because it is so diverse. Chess brings people together of all different ages, skills, and levels. You don’t even need to speak the same language to play together.”

When Raymond joined the Chess Team at Father Ryan, it was a small group of five students, but his passion for the game has grown the team to 40. It was that same passion that drew him to share his expertise with residents of Room In The Inn.

As a regular volunteer with Room In The Inn’s winter shelter program through his parish, Holy Rosary, and at Room In The Inn’s Campus on Drexel Street, Raymond saw a picture of some neighbors playing chess. He asked the program coordinator if they had a chess program for the residents but was told that they hadn’t had anyone to teach the residents in a long time. Raymond decided he could be that person.

Beginning in the summer of 2022, Raymond and some other members of the Chess Cub brought their boards and began playing with the residents who knew how to play and teaching others who wanted to learn. It has been a huge success.

“Many people think chess is something only smart people play,” says Raymond. “I don’t agree with that. People have a single image of homeless people, and I don’t agree with that. Anybody can play chess, and anyone can connect with anyone.”

As for Raymond, his chess skills are improving with all his extra playing time at Room In The Inn. During his first three years on the Chess Team, he never beat the Chess Team moderator, MR. CYRUS POUR, but the last three times he has played him this year, he’s scored three wins.

With the end of his senior year fast approaching, Raymond begins to think about next year, and while he hasn’t decided on what college he plans to attend, his time at Room In The Inn has inspired him to become a teacher because he wants to make a difference in young people’s lives.

“I’ve learned you can have everything in the world from possessions, money, and fame,” says Raymond. “But at the end of your life, you are not going to be able to keep that. Living your life is about the connections you make and the people you impact.”

“Living your life is about the connections you make and the people you impact.”

Hmuifoo (second from right) and teammates discuss chess moves with Room In The Inn Founding Director Father Charles Strobel ‘61 (third from left).

Closets Full of Love

Thanks to the work done by Kara and her volunteer Board of Directors, NFLC has served more than 560 foster children in 2022, and they are just getting started. Kara’s eventual goal is to raise enough funds for physical space similar to a storefront where they can set up clothing on racks and make it easier for families to peruse the donations.

Right now, Kara is focused on loving and serving others and giving back what she can, lessons she says were instilled in her from an early age both from her parents and the environment at Father Ryan. A St. Vincent de Paul Society inductee who volunteered often with Catholic Charities growing up, Kara believes she is called to serve foster families and will continue to do so, even when the path ahead is difficult.

“Fostering is hard, and running the Closet is hard, too,” Kara shares. “But, whenever I start to feel it is too hard, God will send me a sign – usually in the form of a family who needs us – and then I realize this is the plan, and I leave it up to Him.”

Two years ago, when KARA (ANTON) PUCKETT ’13 and her husband began taking classes to become certified foster parents in Davidson County, their teacher mentioned “foster closets” as a way to supplement the small stipend the state offers to cover items like new clothes, diapers, formula, and other critical needs.

Kara had never heard of a foster closet before, and when she Googled it, the closest ones she could find were in Cookeville and Bedford County.

“I couldn’t believe there wasn’t a resource for foster families like us in Davidson County,” Kara says. “I started thinking: how could foster parents drive to Cookeville to pick up baby items if their foster child shows up in two days? That’s when I decided maybe we could do something to help.”

Two weeks later, on January 22, 2022, Nashville Foster Love Closet (NFLC) was born.

Kara runs the closet through the Nashville Foster Love Closet Facebook page she created. She collects new and lightly-used items for kids of all ages, including baby gear, as well as school supplies, toys, backpacks, and furniture. She keeps these donations on hand so foster families can come visit the closet and take what they need for their new addition.

NFLC began out of the Pucketts’ garage and a spare bedroom, and in just one year, the outpouring of support has been incredible. The donations of clothes and other materials have now spread to their master bedroom, bonus room, and a storage unit.

“The support from the community from the start has been amazing,” says Kara. “It almost brings me to tears how quick people are to donate and to volunteer when we put out a call for donations or ask for help.”

Because of this explosive growth and the need in the county – NFLC is the only organization of its kind in the county – Kara recently registered NFLC for 501c3 status, and this past summer, it became official.

Nashville Foster Love Closet Donations

By the Numbers:

• 4 ,393 articles of clothing

• 6 4 beds/cribs/bassinets

• 21 car seats

• 426 books

• 216 packs of diapers

• 4 59 toiletries

• 1 ,342 toys

• 93 children received $100 worth of Christmas gifts

If you would like to donate or volunteer, contact Nashville Foster Love Closet on Facebook.

Angels to the Rescue

Therefore, she led a class-action lawsuit against the state to hold them accountable for their basic healthcare coverage. With Michele’s passion and tenacity to right wrongs and to “argue for those who couldn’t argue for themselves,” along with the courage of the families who joined the class action suit, Michele won the lawsuit and changed state policy so that today all vulnerable Tennessee children – foster care children, those with severe disabilities, and more – receive the care they need.

Since starting TJC 27 years ago, Michele and her team have served more than 100,000 individuals in one-on-one representations in all of Tennessee’s 95 counties. They have secured more than 2 billion dollars in health care services and won appeal rights for 1.4 million Tennesseans when their HMO denies the care their doctor says they need. They improved access to care for 750,000 Tennessee children.

But that is not all. The public health emergency legislation that Congress passed is ending. As a result, TJC’s big push now is to make sure the 1.8 million Tennesseans who will be going through redetermination for TennCare – the state’s Medicaid program – keep their health coverage, if they are eligible.

From a young age, MICHELE JOHNSON ’87 felt a calling to help others and believed in the power of social justice for all, even if she wasn’t sure what that meant.

“When I was in third grade, I talked with my dad about what I could be when I grow up,” remembers Michele. “He said I should be a lawyer, because they argue for people who can’t argue for themselves.”

Her dad’s suggestion stayed with Michele as a child when she watched her cousins being transferred to a mental institution because insurance would not cover the costs of their medical care. She saw the pain and anguish her cousins and aunt felt, and she knew they deserved better.

Many years later, as a senior service participant at Father Ryan with High Hopes, a development center and therapy clinic for special needs children, Michele fell in love with the kids she worked with each week. She knew these children deserve the best society can give them but also knew that wasn’t always the case.

Later, when she lived for a year among low income families in Buffalo, NY, as a part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, she understood the plight of the disadvantaged and knew they deserved equal treatment as well.

When Michele moved back to Tennessee, she began work at the Legal Aid Society. Spending years seeing friends and loved ones marginalized by systems of oppression and with a new law limiting a poor person’s right to counsel, Michele knew it was time for a change. Founded in a friend’s unfinished attic in 1996, and thanks to a fellowship grant from the Equal Justice Center, Michele and her colleague from Legal Aid, Gordon Bonnyman, founded Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) with the goal of making sure all Tennesseans get the care they deserve.

“When we were at Legal Aid, we were helping individuals on a case-bycase basis,” says Michele. “But we had no way to impact the systems of care that affect children, families, and caregivers in similar situations.”

Now through TJC, Michele, Gordon, and their team work together to advocate for their clients to receive access to vital services such as health care and nutrition benefits. They use what they learn to fight for systemic change for all Tennesseans. For example, in the late 1990s, many of the 700,000 children on Medicaid were being denied coverage for essential benefits.

“Having moms who have to watch their children suffer and feel powerless, I can’t imagine a worse reality,” Michele says.

“The burden of caring for someone who is sick or disabled can be really isolating,” Michele reflects. “The paperwork to reapply for TennCare can be time-consuming and confusing, so we want these caregivers to know they are not alone. We are here to help each and every family reapply so every child gets the coverage they need.”

Michele and the TJC will be setting up volunteer stations to field calls and to walk through the application process for every caregiver who needs help. It is a huge undertaking, but one that is highly important to Michele.

“We have 30 years of research that says if you give comprehensive healthcare to kids, they are more likely to do better in school, graduate high school and attend college, and do better in life,” says Michele. “It’s that simple.”

As Michele and her team are hard at work preparing for the April 1 deadline of TennCare re-enrollment, they will also be moving in to their new permanent home on that same day in the CameronTrimble neighborhood off of Lafayette Street, which happens to be across the street from the largest barracks-style housing project in the nation.

While the location of their new home may be known for its violence today, it is also known for its proud history of resilient resistance to injustice that runs from Reconstruction through the Civil Rights movement to today. That is a history that Michele is proud to be a part of.

“Our new office is 2.5 miles from my house,” shares Michele. “But if you are born in my neighborhood instead of the Napier housing project, you will live 20 years longer. How did we create a nation where your life expectancy is determined based on where you are born?”

Michele believes this problem can be solved by meeting each person’s basic needs which includes getting healthcare they need without having to choose between paying for food or healthcare costs. While this solution may be an uphill battle for some, Michele says it is her faith that keeps her going.

“My work completely strengthens my faith,” Michele says. “There are some days I think I don’t know how we are going to win this fight, but angels come to our rescue over and over.”

House Service Days Making an Impact

Since its introduction during the 2020-2021 school year, the Father Ryan House System has provided an opportunity for more intentional student leadership positions, peer-to-peer mentoring, and spiritual development while creating a stronger community among students, faculty, and staff. What remained constant amid this new student life program was Father Ryan’s collective desire to go out into the community and serve others.

That service effort has remained on clear display as the House System proceeds through its third year. As each House is guided by a Catholic Social Teaching and keeps its own House Saint in mind, our community works to make a difference in the greater Nashville area through volunteer efforts on House Service Days.

Father Ryan Director of Houses Amy Duke designed the Service Day program to allow students, faculty, and staff to serve the Nashville community while continuing to build strong relationships within their House. Each semester, one House leaves campus to work with local community organizations and to be an experience of the living Gospel. Through this program, each House has the opportunity to travel off campus once every three years.

During these impactful House Service Days, students sort and deliver canned food from the annual Father Ryan Food Drive to Catholic Charities, Little Pantry That Could, Nashville Ladies of Charity, and the Branch. They also prepare the Winter Shelter at Room In The Inn, create diaper packs for expectant mothers at Safe Haven, clean Calvary Cemetery, prepare the land at By Faith Farm to grow food for those in need, and more. Through this program, the four Houses that have traveled off campus have volunteered a total of 1,342 service hours in the community to date.

With the House System motto in mind - 6 Houses, All Irish.” - the House Service Days include all Houses, not just the one leaving campus. Those staying at school during these service days take on other projects, with some writing letters to those incarcerated in Tennessee and to military members overseas, while others have organized snack packs for Room In The Inn or made rosaries and Catholic word coloring books for local diocesan pre-kindergarten students.

As the House System continues to evolve its programming, developing servant leaders among our student body remains a priority. We are proud to see our students continue Father Ryan’s Tradition of Service through all of their efforts to serve the Nashville community.

Irish Voices Across the Classes

“Would you consider a gift to the Annual Fund to support the students and faculty of Father Ryan?”

The message has certainly been received by Irish alumni around the world. It may arrive in a letter, be the call to action at the end of an email, or come from the voice of a classmate who’s reaching out to catch up, reminisce, and smile about the shared experience of Father Ryan alumni. And in almost every instance, the letterwriter, emailer, or caller is one of a group of Father Ryan Class Representatives who volunteer time to spread the message of philanthropy and the impact of the Annual Fund.

The story of philanthropy at Father Ryan over the past 20 years is one of exceptional growth. Continued support has helped the endowment swell by $17 million and generous donors have created new scholarships and added resources to existing ones. But the support of the Annual Fund, which has increased from $175,000 a year to last year’s more than $850,000, is the result of the messages and calls of those Class Reps.

The group of more than 25 alumni bring different experiences and different approaches to this volunteer role. DEBBIE (CONNOR) SLOAN ’85 rallies classmates with the special spirit of the Class of 1985, a class that has been particularly close since freshman year. LANCE WISE ’91 employs techniques from his successful sales career and regular social media messaging to encourage broad participation from the Class of 1991. MARGIE (FRANCESCON) GROVER ’84 reminds classmates of their unique experiences and BILLY HALEY ’01 exhorts classmates with the energy of a dedicated Irish and UT alum.

“Not only do I get to visit with lifelong friends,“ Margie (Francescon) Grover ’84 related, “I also get to engage in friendly competition with my

neighboring classes, all for the benefit of Father Ryan.”

Lance Wise ’91 agrees. “The Class of 1991 has a special connection to each other and a real pride in their generous support of Father Ryan,” Wise said.

Whoever the Class Rep, each of them turns a respectful and attentive ear toward the 1967 duo – PAUL ROHLING ’67 and TOMMY DUCKLO ’67 – whenever they speak at a Class Rep gathering. This pair connects to classmates with regular lunches, frequent communications, and messages extolling their class pride and spirit to encourage support, which is why they produce participation percentages each year in excess of 50%, more than double the participation of any other class.

“It’s a privilege and a pleasure to reach out to my classmates every year through the Annual Fund effort,” said Rohling. “Our participation in the Annual Fund furthers the class’s engagement with Father Ryan, produces important financial resources for our school, and enhances the more than 55-year-old friendships that mark the Class of 1967.”

That Annual Fund success provides resources critical to the operation of the school, from teacher salaries and building maintenance to curriculum expansion and tuition assistance. Its success is a testament to the experiences of our alumni as students, which carries forward to today. And that success is maintained by the committed work of this group of Irish voices. May you enjoy a wonderful chat with them this spring.

To make a gift to the Annual Fund – even before you hear from your Class Rep – visit fatherryan. org/giving.

To read more about the Annual Fund at Father Ryan, visit fatherryan.org/giving

One of the key components of the Father Ryan Strategic Plan is creating a culture of philanthropy among our community. In each issue of Irish Ayes, we profile individuals who have demonstrated that philanthropic spirit in their own giving to Father Ryan. This issue features alumni whose commitment to their Classes helps drive Annual Fund success.

Class Reps, from left, Tommy Ducklo ‘67, David Stamps ‘73, Debbie (Connor) Sloan ‘85, Theresa (Luckett) Burdge ‘84, Rick Barry ‘78, Margie (Francescon) Grover ‘84, Rob Power ‘72, Jeremy Meriwether ‘04, Frederick Strobel ‘70, Tommy Lynch ‘68, and Brett Paulus ‘95 gather after the Spring meeting. They were joined by Paul Rohling ‘67, and remotely by Vic Wesley ‘79, Lance Wise ‘91, Matt Pickney ’99, and Billy Haley ‘01.

Alumni News Reconnecting With Ryan Nation

Ryan Nation Night

The camaraderie continued within a week, thanks to the Ryan Nation Night alumni happy hour on Nov. 17. More than 50 alumni came together at Crow’s Nest in Green Hills — owned by DALTON CROW ’16 — to mingle with classmates, share experiences, and come together to watch the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football.

Young Alumni Luncheon

The alumni office was quite busy this fall and winter, hosting events spanning multiple generations.

Veterans Breakfast

More than 75 alumni arrived at the 17th Annual Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 11, sharing respect for those who have so courageously served our country.

The event’s featured speaker was Tom Meredith, a native of Cleveland, Ohio. Meredith served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal and then as a Specialist 4th Class, and he toured in Vietnam in 1962-1963 as a U.S. Army Advisor. He discovered Father Ryan when he came to Nashville in 1979, and his two sons — THOMAS ’83 and DAVID ’86 — graduated from the school soon after. Impressed with the joy and the benefits that his sons received through their experiences, Meredith served on the school’s Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1986 and focused on the Tuition Assistance program.

Students’ voices were also quite evident. The Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Voice of Democracy Essay Contest is spearheaded by English Department Chair RANDY LANCASTER ’83, along with contributions from JOHN FURGESS ’61 . This project fuels students’ awareness of Veterans’ commitment to the nation and helps them gain a greater understanding of their efforts to preserve Americans’ freedom. MARK CIAMPA ’23 delivered this year’s essay on the theme of “Why is the Veteran Important,” asserting that the character of a nation could be measured by the way its citizens treat its veterans.

In December, Father Ryan was happy to welcome graduates from the Classes of 2019 through 2022 back to campus as they returned home from college. A blend of more than 160 alumni and current seniors came together to enjoy a meal with teachers and classmates while competing in a cookie-decorating contest and showcasing their ugly Christmas sweaters, all to raise the Christmas excitement on Norwood Drive. Prizes weren’t restricted to the winners of the contest, however, as all alumni and current seniors left with purple Santa hats that intertwined the holiday spirit with Father Ryan’s memorable identity.

Breakfast With Santa

Santa Claus arrived in Nashville a bit earlier than expected and brought early presents to some of his Music City believers with the inaugural Breakfast with Santa event in December. Attendees included Father Ryan alumni, faculty, staff, students, and their families, as well as many of our Junior Irish. The event featured a number of activities in addition to the pancake breakfast, including photos with Santa, a story time, and Christmas crafts. These were enjoyed to the tune of Christmas songs performed by the Father Ryan Singers, and the Junior Irish were invited to join their high school counterparts to perform “Jingle Bells.” In addition to these gifts, all children received purple Santa hats and St. Nicholas prayer cards, distributed by Father Ryan student ambassadors dressed as elves for the event.

Reunion Weekend – Mark Your Calendar

Stay tuned for more this spring, as Father Ryan is excited to host Reunion Weekend in June, celebrating reunions and reconnecting alumni. The LOU GRAHAM ’56 Alumni Golf Tournament, which is open to all alumni, will tee off on June 2 at Harpeth Hills Golf Course. The Alumni Reception takes place on campus that evening. Then the reunion class parties for classes of the years ending in 3 and 8 are set for June 3, while the weekend comes to a memorable close with the Golden Grad Mass and Induction of the Class of 1973 and the Golden Grad Brunch. Check out fatherryan.org/alumni for more information.

A Legacy Gala in Celebration of Service

From Tracey and Sean Henry’s work on the Predators Foundation to their presence in support of organizations throughout the city to their tireless and generous support of Father Ryan High School, these Father Ryan parents are making a difference in our community. That’s why more than 525 guests joined to honor them at the 44th Annual Legacy Gala on January 28 at the Music City Center.

Father Ryan President PAUL DAVIS ’81 led the salute and was joined by the Henrys’ son and Father Ryan Hockey Head Coach STEVEN HENRY ’14, with his wife, KATIE (WILSON) HENRY ’13.

“Tracey and I came here with the kids a few weeks after the 2010 flood,” Sean stated. “We didn’t understand why the Volunteers nickname was important here, but we quickly learned why. Nashville loves Nashville. Competitors support each other. It’s real; it’s alive.”

The importance of the Father Ryan community became clear even before they arrived. The Henrys have raised four children through Saint Matthew School and Father Ryan, two of whom graduated from and one who is currently a student at Father Ryan: Steven ’14 , MATT ’18 , Amy, and JESSIE ’25

“Father Ryan has defined the community for us,” Sean stated. “’You are known and loved’ has been true for all our kids, even Amy, who didn’t attend the school. I never had a teacher who remembered my name

throughout high school. Everyone at Father Ryan, from Mr. Davis through all the teachers, knows our kids’ names and what they are involved in. That means a lot.”

The importance of community and of personal involvement is fundamental to Tracey and Sean, and it is on clear display through the work of the Predators Foundation, on whose board both serve. The foundation awards $2.5 million or more each year to more than 1,000 organizations in the area. That’s making a big impact across the region.

“I have come to appreciate what the smaller organizations are involved in,” Tracey commented. “While the checks are great, it’s even better to be there hands-on, building a playground, hosting a baby shower for military families. It’s been so personally fulfilling to be involved.”

Supporting those who want to be involved was the reason the Henrys created the Henry-Manning Scholarship at Father Ryan to provide tuition assistance to one graduating male and one graduating female for their first year of college, based on their service to the community during high school.

The Nashville Predators dignitaries were on hand for the night, including the club’s broadcasters: Pete Weber, Terry Crisp - who introduced the Henrys – and Willy Daunic. They were joined by Preds energetic mascot, GNASH, who posed for photos and even sat in for Mr. Jeff Schletzer on drums during the reception.

A Gala celebrating service: The Henrys with YWCA execs Shan Foster and Sharon Roberson; guests enjoy the evening; GNASH leads the band.

1962 Classmates BILL SOVINE, MIKE GALLAGHER, CLARK LUSTER, JOE KINCAID, TOM BOND, JIM HUGHES, JOE SEMMES, PHIL KINCAID, JOE MILLER, AND PAT MCREDMOND attended the Class of 1962 Fall Get-Together in Gulf Shores, AL in November 2022. This has been an annual event for the class of 1962 for many years. A good time was had by all, and Father Ryan was honored well!

Irish for Life

JACK DEEGAN ’47 traveled from Fort Worth, Texas, to visit campus for the first time in more than 25 years. Clad in his homemade, purple “Ryan ‘47” sash, which he wears frequently around his retirement community, and sporting his class ring, Deegan came to Father Ryan to speak to four Senior psychology classes about his high school experience and the transition to college.

After graduating from Vanderbilt and earning his master’s at Florida State University, Deegan pursued a career as a Regional Sales Executive for a national retail manufacturer before transitioning into teaching. He is a retired college professor from Texas Wesleyan University where he taught marketing for 27 years, established the marketing major, and developed all nine courses.

When Deegan was asked what he would say to fellow alumni who graduated from the Elliston Place campus and have not visited the Norwood campus, he stated, “If you want to double your pride of graduating from Father Ryan on Elliston Place, you would be delighted to see what is happening at Father Ryan on Norwood Drive.”

1962 JAMES H. HUGHES , PhD, was inducted into the National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors’ Hall of Fame on September 13, 2022. His professional career included: Manager, Training, The Apprentice School of Newport News Shipbuilding; President, American Apprenticeship Round Table; and gubernatorial appointment to Chair, Virginia Apprenticeship Council, 1994-1998. Hall of Fame recognition is given for exceptional effort and dedication in the promotion of excellence in Registered Apprenticeship. Jim earned his doctorate from the School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1978.

1978 JERRY WIGGER received Christ the King’s 2023 Distinguished Graduate Award. Former Distinguished Graduates, PAUL DAVIS ’81, MIKE HOWINGTON ’72, MIKE CLEPPER ’70, PAT WATSON ’69, CHRIS HOFSTETTER ’73, JOE MADDUX ’43, and RACHEL (MCKENZIE) MATHEW ’95, joined the celebration to honor Jerry, along with many other Father Ryan alumni.

1962 JOE MILLER, former CEO & Principal at William F. Miller & Associates, was inducted into the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association’s (NMMA) Hall of Fame, its most prestigious honor, during the International Boat - Builders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). Joe joined the marine manufacturers’ representative agency William F. Miller & Associates in 1968, which was founded in 1957 by his father, Bill Miller. Joe purchased the agency in the early nineties, and coached, trained, and led his team by example for several years, driving the business to greater heights with new territories, new customers, and new products to represent.

1969 SCOTT BRUNETTE was named to the Metro Public Schools Sports Hall of Fame 2023 Class. Scott was an All-State wrestler and individual State Champion on Father Ryan’s first State Championship team (1969). He went on to coach at McGavock and served 18 years as the Metro Nashville Athletic Director before retiring in 2010.

1975 BOB FORSTER and MIKE WRIGHT were selected by The Tennessean to the publication’s 1970s All-Decade Team, with Wright chosen as the top athlete for the decade. Wright played quarterback and Forster played center and defensive tackle for the Irish in leading the team to the 1974 TSSAA State Championship.

1987 MISSY (BAKER) ACOSTA , VP of Brand Strategy, Delta Dental of Tennessee, was announced as a 2023 Women of Influence winner by Nashville Business Journal. The NBJ’s Women of Influence winners are leading top companies and nonprofits, supporting their communities and inspiring those coming behind them. Acosta, a longtime Delta Dental executive, serves as the President of Cable Nashville’s Board of Directors and the NFIB Tennessee Leadership Council, is immediate past chair of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee Board of Directors, and serves on the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

1992 CLAIRE (FAJARDO) BELCHER

Graduated from UTK with a BA in English Literature and from Trevecca with a graduate degree in counseling. She currently works with teens and adults, specializing in trauma and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Claire incorporates a wide variety of techniques in her therapy practices, including EMDR and TF-CBT, for those who need additional support.

1956 BILL SCHRICHTE and his bride, Judi, will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary in June.

1992 SHAYN POWERS On September 16, 2022, Shayn completed a six-month northbound thru-hike of the 2,194.3mile Appalachian Trail, all made possible with the love and support of JOYCE (ACKERMANN) POWERS ’93. In addition, Shayn celebrated his 28th wedding anniversary on June 25.

1993 JEREMY

BISCEGLIA received the Catholic Professional of the Year Award from the Catholic Business League for his dedicated work and volunteerism throughout the Nashville business community.

1993 JOHANNES GREER Is currently playing drums for country artist Lewis Brice.

2002 JUSTIN & STEPHANIE (LEWIS)

HAYDEN Justin is a police officer for the Smyrna Police Department. This year he was recognized as Police Officer of the Year. Justin is married to Stephanie (Lewis) Hayden ’02. Stephanie is a registered nurse at Ascension Saint Thomas. She was recently awarded the Guardian Angel Award for her hard work in the Covid ICU. They have two children and live in the Murfreesboro community.

2002 LAURA (CRACE) HINSON was a Nashville Business Journal 2022 CFO of the Year Finalist, in the Large Private Company category. Laura is the Chief Financial Officer for PhyNet Dermatology, one of the fastest growing dermatology physician practice management companies in the United States.

2008 MARIA (CREECY) KEMP was elected to the Board of Directors for Greater Nashville Realtors. It will be a three-year term, and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the Realtor membership.

2009 ELLIE (SCAGLIONE) HOLLIHAN

the U.S. Director of Human Resources at Shearwater Health, spoke to sophomores in Mrs. Lytle’s Theology II class about preparing themselves for the future and finding paths that make them happy. Students reviewed resumes, participated in mock interviews, and discussed their career interests.

2010 OLIVIA BAIRD graduated from Anesthesia school, ending the semester with straight A’s! She advances out of the classroom and into the OR now.

2015 ANDREW O’DWYER & JOHN

O’DWYER started O’Dwyer Brothers Pressure Washing more than four years ago. This is their first year being licensed. Over Christmas, they raised funds for a Ukrainian orphanage to supply them with toys, food, and essentials.

2015 ANDREW TRIPLETT graduated from the Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama this past April. He passed the Uniform Bar Exam last summer and is now licensed to practice law in Alabama and Tennessee. Andrew is working as a law clerk in Birmingham for the Beddow, Erben, Bowen & Wales law firm.

2015 CAROLINE KOLE appeared on “American Idol” on Sunday, February 26, to audition for Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan during the season premiere and received the Golden Ticket, sending her on to Hollywood!

2017 JOHN P. ARMBRUSTER has received the State Farm Good Neighbor Award for the Missouri Valley Conference. To be eligible for the award, the student-athlete must be in good academic standing, must demonstrate good citizenship through good sportsmanship and significant community service, and must participate in a sport during the season of recognition.

Introducing the Irish Alumni Speaker Series

Recently, several Father Ryan alumni have spoken to classes on campus, sharing their professional experiences with the students. Here is information on three of those visits.

SPEAKER SERIES

To be a speaker for the program, sign up for Irish Connect, Father Ryan’s Alumni Networking Platform, and select Alumni Speaker Series as one of your services. fatherryan.alumnifire.com

1989 MICHAEL JONES

As part of our Hayes Scholars Program Lecture Series, Michael Jones joined our Hayes Scholar Freshman Seminar classes to discuss his life experiences, career path, and lessons learned along the way. Michael currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Truist. He shared how his time at Father Ryan helped him learn the importance of drive, ambition, adaptability, giving back to the community, and helping others, all of which he has carried into his profession. Thank you, Michael, for sharing your love of Father Ryan and for inspiring passion in our students.

2006 RUTHIE (DIROFF)

WEHBY visited Mr. MIKE MASCARI’S ’96 ’s science classes to speak about her experience as a Senior Mechanism Engineer, and she hosted a special session at Break for female students interested in engineering. We thank Ruthie for spending time with our students and giving them insight into future career opportunities.

2016 JACKSON DOUGHERTY returned to campus to teach stage combat master classes to our Musical Theatre, Theatre I, and Acting students last fall. Jackson currently works in Chicago, IL, and is recognized as an Advanced Actor-Combatant by the Society of American Fight Directors and is certified in six weapons. His time in Father Ryan’s Theatre program helped him discover his passion for this field. Jackson taught our students important safety measures for stage fighting, terminology for various moves and effects, and choreographed partner combinations by the end of class. In addition, Jackson choreographed the combat moments for the fall musical, Beauty and the Beast, and the spring play, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.

Styling an Ocean Adventure

Throughout his time at Father Ryan, JOSEPH KENT ’19 found his way to the theater and the Purple Masque Players, where he discovered his love for and talent in costume design. Finding his way to the theater is now helping him see the world.

Early last year, Kent joined Norwegian Cruise Line as a Wardrobe Supervisor. He sails from Seattle, Washington, through the different ports of Alaska, including Glacier Bay, as he manages wardrobes for four performances a week. He is working with actors who have

performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and in theaters across the globe. Kent is responsible for the wigs and makeup of the play’s main character, as well as costume, wig, and makeup quick changes of other characters throughout the performance. In between show days, Kent restyles 40 wigs, repairs costumes, provides stage access to the actors, and explores the sites at the various ports.

When reflecting on the opportunity, Kent said, “I’m enjoying getting to grow in the areas that I truly consider my passions in life. This opportunity allows time for me to grow professionally. I have also learned a great deal about numerous cultures from my fellow crewmates, who are from all around the world. Working with actors and technicians from such varied backgrounds has been a gift and provided friendships that I hope last a lifetime,” he said.

2022 HENRY RODGERS , son of Jenni and Bill ‘90 Rodgers and greatgrandson of Patrick McRedmond ‘31, has been appointed to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. He will study Civil Engineering. Henry was awarded the 2022 West Point Association of Graduates Scholarship to attend Marion Military Institute where he is a member of the elite Swamp Fox tactical group. Henry received Senator Bill Hagerty’s congressional nomination to West Point in 2022 and 2023.

2018 NIKKI WILLIAMS & 2019 LUCY NORFLEET

Each semester, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital selects up to two seniors from the University of TennesseeKnoxville for its Child and Family Studies practicum program, and this semester, both positions were filled by Father Ryan alumni - Nikki Williams ’18 and Lucy Norfleet ’19.

2019 SARAH

BARRY was cast in Kentucky Opera’s Chorus for Puccini’s “La Boheme” this season. She considers it truly a blessing and a privilege to get to work with seasoned professionals as the youngest in the adult chorus. This is her first professional show and Kentucky Opera debut! Sarah participated in a program called Red River Lyric Opera this past summer in Wichita Falls, TX where she was in the chorus of her first opera, Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro,” as well as a cabaret performance and in the chorus of Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.”

2021 DAVID JOHNSON

has been selected to join the United States Air Force Academy’s Precision Flying Team. David and eight other members of the freshmen class were chosen in March 2022 from more than 160 applicants. They completed Initial Qualification Training this past summer in the T-41 Mescalero. The new team members were presented with their wings during Parents Weekend in September by Lt. Col. Matthew Spitler, Commander of the 557 Flight Training Squadron. The team competes in flying and ground events governed by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association.

2021 BEN STROBEL was selected as the firstever recipient of the Randy Bush Memorial Scholarship from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Band.

NEW ALUMNI DIRECTORY COMING

As Father Ryan plans for the 100th Anniversary celebration in 2024, the school has begun the process of creating a new Alumni Directory, the first compilation in more than 40 years.

2021 JOSH PFEIFER was named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll. Josh is one of 31 Ole Miss Football players to be recognized.

Father Ryan has contracted with PCI, the leading provider of these directories, to compile the information. Be on the lookout this spring for a postcard from PCI and more information from Father Ryan. We encourage you to complete the form so we can have the most up-to-date information about Ryan Nation and to keep you updated on all of our 100th Anniversary festivities.

Stephen “Finn” to Eleanna and MICHAEL BURNS ’01 , born on November 25, 2021. Grandson to MARTIN R. BURNS ’71 and Great Grandson to MARTIN J. BURNS ’46

Ollie Harlin to ERIN (BLAIR) KELLER ’09 and OLLIE JOHN KELLER ’03 , born on December 30, 2021.

Luca Ramón to CHASE STEJSKAL ’04 and Allison, born on August 5, 2022. Allie and Chase are getting plenty of sleep because they have hired Indy (4) as in-house help. She’s an incredible big sister.

Vivian Jean to AMANDA (CONSIGLIO) ROBBINS ’05 and Joshua Michael, born on August 21, 2022. Vivian joins the family with proud big brother, Victor Allen (4).

Bodhi Hayes to SAMANTHA (ARCHIE) BURGESS ’07 and Woody Burgess on November 9, 2022, at 7:58pm. He weighed 9 lbs. and measured 21 inches long. Bodhi has the best big brother, Keaton Burgess.

Patek Marie to Bethann and JUSTIN GUIDRY ’08 , born on October 4, 2022.

Jack Leon to JULIE (MURPHY) MONDELLI ’08 and JACOB MONDELLI ’10, born on October 21, 2022.

Brooks Carter to SARAH (CAMPBELL) MABRY ’09 and Dr. Scott Mabry, born October 5, 2022. Brooks joins big brother, Campbell (2).

Mulloy Elizabeth to CAITLIN (MULLOY) CURRAN ’09 and STEPHEN CURRAN ’10, born on August 30, 2021.

Milo Thomas to HOLLY (FORD) DESPRES ’10 on July 1, 2022. He joins a big brother and sister.

Finnegan to Emma and QUINN O’HEENEY ’11 on July 12, 2022. He joins Theo (4) and Evelyn (2).

Ava Claire was born to REBECCA (CRUMBY) GIBSON ’13 and Erik Gibson on August 3, 2022. She was six weeks early and spent 10 days in the NICU, but she’s growing like a weed, and doing great! She is the granddaughter of the Dean of Students, JOE CRUMBY ’95 .

CHRISTY (BOYD) ’15 and MICHAEL CANONICO ’15 were married on August 13, 2022, and took wedding photos on the Father Ryan campus.

EUGENIA (GRAYER) ’96 and Fred D. McGhee II were married on June 11, 2022, in Nashville, TN.

KATIE (MACLAY) ’04 and Adam Czerwinski were married on October 1, 2022, at Hi-Wire Brewing in Asheville, North Carolina.

GRACE (SPISAK) ’18 and Joseph “Joey” Leavell were married June 4, 2022, at St. Edward Catholic Church.

RYAN HINLO ’17 married Meredith (Sparks) on September 3, 2022, at St. Mary of the Seven Sorrows in Nashville, TN.

Luca Ramón Stejskal

Bodhi Hayes Burgess

Stephen “Finn” Buchanan Burns

Vivian Jean Robbins

Ollie Harlin Keller

Patek Marie Guidry Jack Leon Mondelli Brooks Carter Mabry

Mulloy Elizabeth Curran Milo Thomas DesPres Finnegan O’Heeney Ava Claire Gibsonr

Christy (Boyd) ’15 and Michael Canonico ‘15

Eugenia (Grayer) ‘96 and Fred McGhee

Grace (Spisak) ‘18 and Joey Leavell

Katie (Maclay) and Adam Czerwinski ‘04

Meredith (Sparks) and Ryan Hinlo ‘17

MARY THERESA “TERRI” (WOLFE)

ABBOTT: Wife of alumnus Buddy Abbott ‘65 (deceased), mother of alumni Trey ‘95, Amy ‘97, and Marty ‘01 Abbott, and sister of alumnus Don Wolfe ‘68.

LISA BARTLEY: Mother of alumni Taryn (Bartley) Eichhorn ‘07, Jordan (Bartley) Austell ‘10 (Cody ‘09), and Lucas Bartley ‘11.

WALTER SCOTT BEARDEN: Brother of alumnus John Bearden ‘68.

JAMES JOSEPH  “JOE” BRUCE ’54.

PERCY BRININGS CARTER, JR ’54: Son of Percy B. Carter, Sr. ‘32 (deceased) and brother of alumni Harvey ‘61 and Joseph Carter ‘63 (deceased).

WILLIAM E. “BILL” COLEMAN ’63: Brother of alumni Michael ‘67, Andrew ‘72, and Ronald ‘74 Coleman.

EDWARD ALAN COLEMAN ’57.

NANCY ELLEN COTTER: Mother of alumna Bitsy Cotter ‘90.

JARED CRUMBY ’97: Brother of alumni Johnny Crumby ‘93 and Joe Crumby ‘95, Father Ryan’s Dean of Students.

JOHN HAILEY CURRAN ’73: Son of alumni Patrick J. Curran, Jr. ‘43 (deceased), brother of alumni Patrick J. Curran III ‘68, Karen (Curran) Timmons ‘72 (Steve ‘69), and Michael Curran ‘75 (deceased).

CHERYL DAVIS ’73.

DR. IVAN DAVIS ’60.

BERNARD “BUZZ” DONLON ’69: Son of Bernard Haley Donlon ‘36 (deceased).

ROBERT A. FAJARDO ’62: Father of alumnae Shell (Fajardo) Richards ‘85, Anne (Fajardo) Haworth ‘87, and Claire (Fajardo) Belcher ‘92.

DOUGLAS FARMER ’75: Brother of alumni Bill Farmer ‘65 and Donna (Farmer) Matthews ‘75

TOM GAD ’82: Brother of alumnus Kevin Gad ‘86.

MICHAEL GALBREATH ’82.

SHELIA GALVIN: Mother of  alumni Tim Galvin ‘82 and Lori (Galvin) Martini ‘84.

ROBERT JOSEPH “JOE” GEIST ’58: Father of alumni Robbie Geist ‘85, Susan (Geist) Wittig ‘87, Tommy Geist ‘90, and Amy (Geist) Strickland ‘91, and brother of John Geist ‘48 and George Geist ‘55 (both deceased).

Saying Goodbye Too Soon

The Christmas season brought celebration and gifts, parties, and ceremony, as it always does, but it also brought sadness to the family of GRAEME REEVE ’22 and the Father Ryan community. Graeme passed away on December 20 at home.

Born in Nashville on November 21, 2002, Graeme attended St. Bernard Academy, Father Ryan High School, and Tennessee Technological University, where he majored in electrical engineering. Graeme showed gifts in both the humanities and the sciences, but his accomplishments were not confined to the classroom. He enjoyed guitar lessons and basketball at St. Bernard and membership in the Dungeons and Dragons Club at Father Ryan. Perhaps his greatest joy in school, however, was the camaraderie and fellowship he found as a member of the tech team supporting the Purple Masque Players, Father Ryan’s theatrical performance group. Graeme assisted with lighting for productions of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “High School Musical,” and the friendships he formed with cast and crew alike were among the most meaningful of his life.

To borrow a phrase from Gerard Manley Hopkins, Graeme’s diverse interests reflected the pied beauty of his personality. High spirits and unrestrained laughter were perhaps his most defining traits, and he delighted in comedy of all forms, especially satires of B movies from the television series “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” Live music was another passion, originating in childhood visits with his grandparents to

JOHN EDWARD GIBSON, SR.: Father of alumnus John Edgar Gibson II ‘03.

PATSY GRAHAM: Wife of alumnus Lou Graham ‘56.

SUSAN GROVE GRAMMER: Mother of alumnus Jason Grove ‘90.

JIM HAMPEL: Father of alumni Kevin Hampel ‘98, Jonathan Hampel ‘00, and Kristin (Hampel) Nelson ‘03.

JOHN “JAY” HANSOM ’67: Father of alumni Chris ‘99 and Catherine ‘05 Hansom and son of Jack Hansom ‘41 (deceased).

BETTY WRENNE HARRIS: Sister of alumnus David Wrenne ‘48 (deceased).

LLEWELLYN “LEW” HARRISON ’82.

FATHER JOHN C. HENRICK III (FACULTY, 1962-1968): Son of alumnus John C. Henrick ‘29 (deceased) and brother of alumni Joseph ‘61, Christopher ‘69, and William ‘69 Henrick.

GARY “GUS” HOBBS, JR.: Son of alumnus Gary Hobbs, Sr. ‘73.

DONALD A. HUNT: Father of alumni Austin ‘76, Scott ‘78, Kelly ‘83, and Britt ‘87 Hunt.

the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. He attended dozens of concerts in venues all over Nashville and regularly wore t-shirts sporting the logos of his favorite musical artists. As Graeme grew older, he became fascinated with elements of Japanese popular culture, particularly animated films and comic books. His backpack and bookshelves overflowed with examples of each.

Graeme was no stranger to adversity. Several health issues touched his early childhood, and a seizure disorder materializing in adolescence never went away. He confronted each of these challenges with a grace and strength beyond his years and displayed a deep compassion for all who struggle. Despite hardship, Graeme’s zest for life’s pleasures never dimmed. Travel was an activity he cherished, with a school trip to New York occupying a special place in his heart. He loved visits to his godparents’ lake house, where he whiled away the time with kneeboarding, fireworks, and golf cart rides. Indian food was his favorite cuisine, and he rarely celebrated a birthday without it. Graeme will be remembered for his wry wit and loving heart.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Clayton Reeve and David Ashley, and by his great aunt, Delores Schroeder. He is survived by his mother, Dyer Reeve, and her husband, David Bertling; by his father, Jonathan Reeve, Jonathan’s fiancée, Amylane Duncan, and her children, Jonah Harwood, Spencer Harwood, and Erin Yaden; and by his grandmothers, Gail Reeve and Ann Rodgers Ashley.

MARY FRANCES (MANNION)

JOHNSON: Wife of alumnus Richard Johnson ‘47 (deceased) and mother of alumni Ricky Johnson ‘74, Michael Johnson ‘75, David Johnson ‘76, Gina (Johnson) Canonico ‘77, and Michele Johnson ‘87.

GERALD “GERRY” KEOGH ’45: A Father Ryan Hero Project honoree.

CHARLES KINCAID, JR. ’50.

DAVID MICHAEL KLASSEN ’65: Brother of Tony Klassen ’72.

STEVE KOHL ’85: Son of alumnus John B. Kohl III ‘58 (deceased) and brother of alumnae Mary Dorothy (Kohl) Smith ‘81 and Karen Kohl ‘84.

TERRY KOTAS: Mother of alumnus Will Kotas ‘96.

ELLEN CAMPION LAWSON: Sister of alumni John ‘32 and Edward Campion ‘37 (both deceased).

RICHARD PATRICK LISLE ’59: Brother of alumni Ben ‘52 (deceased), Jim ‘56, Johnny ‘61 (deceased), Frank ‘63, Billy ‘64 (deceased), Bobby ‘65, Charlie ‘66, Lawrence ‘69, Joan ‘72, and Michael ‘73 Lisle, and Mary (Lisle) Scruggs ‘75 (Mark ‘75).

ALBERT “MIKE” MALONE, JR. ’71: Son of Albert S. Malone, Sr. ‘48 (deceased).

ABBY VON MANN: Wife of Milton Von Mann (former Faculty and Coach, deceased); mother of alumni Phillip Von Mann ‘80, Theresa Von Mann Cochran ‘81, and Steve Von Mann ‘83; sister of Philip O’Brien ‘45 (deceased).

SHEILA C. MASTRO ’83: Sister of Todd Mastro ‘85.

MICHAEL ANTHONY “TONY”

McGUIRE: Husband of alumna Judith (Kane) McGuire ‘85.

KATHLEEN McREDMOND: Wife of alumnus Johnny McRedmond ‘77.

PAUL McVOY ’85: Father of alumna Stephnie (McVoy) McDonald ‘03 and brother of alumni Edward ‘80 and John McVoy ‘82.

RAYMOND MITCHELL: Father of alumni Thomas Mitchell ‘77, Cathy (Mitchell) Williams ‘79, Barbara (Mitchell) Sage ‘80, William Mitchell ‘82, and Robert Mitchell ‘85.

MARY EVELYN MULLOY: Wife of alumnus Eugene Mulloy, Sr. ‘54 (deceased) and mother of Gene Mulloy, Jr. ‘75 and James Mulloy ‘79.

STEPHEN NEUHOFF: Brother of alumni Carl A. Neuhoff, Jr. ‘75, Mary Ann (Neuhoff) Sullivan ‘79 (deceased), and Jeanette (Neuhoff) Vogt ‘80.

MIKE PAGE: Father of alumna Caitlin Page ‘10 and former Irish Girls Lacrosse Coach.

ANN PERRONE: Mother of alumni Greg ‘79 (deceased) and Brian ‘83 Perrone.

SCOTT EDWARD POLLARD: Father of alumni Nick ‘10 and Mitchell ‘13 Pollard.

ELMER MARLO PRICE: Brother of alumnus Earl W. Price, Jr. ‘81.

MARK PYBURN, SR. ’88.

GRAEME REEVE ’22.

DR. ALBERT ROACH: Father of alumni Katherine (Roach) McMillen ‘95 and Taylor Roach ‘97.

RICHARD SAAD ’61: Brother of alumni Ellis Saad ‘58, John “Happy” Saad ‘63 (both deceased), and Theresa (Saad) Thurman ‘73 (Ed ‘73).

PAT SANDERS ’65: Father of alumnus Anthony Sanders ‘86 and brother of alumni James ‘50 and Ted ‘53 Sanders.

RICHARD “DICK” SAPPENFIELD: Father of alumni John Sappenfield ‘82, Kay (Sappenfield) Dodd ‘84 (John ‘81), Father Mark Sappenfield ‘87, and Paul Sappenfield ‘89.

KELLY SHARBEL ’66: Son of Kelly Sharbel ‘42 (deceased) and brother of alumni Herb Sharbel ‘65, Nolan Sharbel ‘68, Charlie Sharbel ‘70, Jeanne (Sharbel) Gower ‘71, Cecelia Sharbel ‘74, Cathy Sharbel ‘76, and Joseph Sharbel ‘79 (deceased).

CHARLES DAVID SHARP: Son of alumnus Tom Sharp ‘45 (deceased) and brother of alumni Tom ‘67, Robert ‘68, Joe ‘71, Andy ‘75, and Mark ‘81 Sharp

JEAN COOPER SHEA: Wife of alumnus Eddie Shea ‘43 (deceased).

DR. JACK TARLETON, JR.: Father of alumnus Dr. Gadson Jack Tarleton III ‘68.

EDWARD RAINES THOMAS: Father of alumna Brittany (Thomas) Mulloy ‘03 (Keith ‘00).

ALEXANDER WELLS ’73.

STEPHEN WILLIAMS ’80.

SABRINA (TODD) ZUGERMAYR ’88.

An Irish Hero for Life

Walking across the floor of the Dining Hall back in 2013, GERALD “GERRY” KEOGH

’45 looked as if he could still tackle any project. It was probably the same look he had in his eyes when he left Father Ryan in 1945, before his graduation, to serve in World War II. This time, he was accepting that long-delayed diploma, the one that made him, officially, a member of the graduating Class of 1945, the one that was presented to him as part of the first group of Hero Project honorees.

Mr. Keogh, age 96, of Nashville passed away January 15, 2023. He and Peggy, his wife of 61 years, established their family home in Donelson in 1950. A founding member of Holy Rosary Church, Mr. Keogh was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and greatgreat-grandfather to his five children, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

In 1945, he enlisted in the Army/11th Airborne Paratrooper Division and served as a Staff Sergeant during the occupation of Japan in WWII. After serving his country, he returned to Nashville and took pride in his years of employment with L&N Railroad, Western Electric, and Metro Nashville Sheriff’s Office.

Mr. Keogh is survived by daughters Monica (John) White and Marilyn (Steve) Biffle; sons Gerry (Nancy) Keogh II and Michael Keogh; and 19 grand and great-grandchildren, including his grandson, Gerry III, who is a 2009 Father Ryan graduate. He is predeceased by his wife Peggy, youngest daughter, Maureen, and grandson, Allen, and all his siblings: sister Mona and brothers Joe (Bubby), Jim (Biggy), and twin brother Tom (Baby).

Our community salutes Mr. Keogh one more time, with thanks for his service and his love for Father Ryan.

Looking Back State Championship Anniversaries 1997

Football

The 2022 football season marked the 25th anniversary of Father Ryan’s 1997 team that captured the third Football Sate Championship in school history. That season also featured a notable change in divisional alignment; 1997 marked the inaugural season of Division II competition after the Irish had previously been part of Class AAA and Class 4A.

That shift offered a clear objective: Set a high standard for future seasons. The Irish did just that, as Father Ryan Hall of Fame coach KURT PAGE ’81 led the team to a perfect 10-0 record in the regular season, including a dominant, season-opening win over Springfield and a one-point win over MBA.

That 10-0 record gave Father Ryan the No. 1 overall seed in the division and set the Irish up for a semifinal meeting with Baylor. The Irish came out on top with a 17-9 win to set up a rematch with MBA in the Championship, which took place under the lights on a chilly November night at Vanderbilt’s Dudley Field.

A 17-yard first-quarter rushing touchdown by TODD CAMPBELL ’98 capped off a 13-play, 80-yard drive of more than nine minutes to put Father Ryan in front early, and neither team scored again until the fourth quarter. MBA answered with a 31-yard touchdown to draw even at 7-7 with 12 minutes remaining, but failed to add any more points the rest of the way. The Irish responded with a 24yard field goal by CHARLES GIRTMAN ’98 with 3:47 left in regulation, and that 10-7 score held to seal the win for the Irish. The win clinched a perfect 12-0 record and secured Father Ryan’s first Football State Championship since 1974. The Team was inducted into the Father Ryan Hall of Fame in 2020.

1998 Boys Soccer

In the midst of the excitement coming from the Football State Championship in the fall, Boys Soccer head coach ROBIN DIETERICH ’73 was determined to keep the momentum going at a high level in the spring. Led by four returning Seniors — including co-captain midfielders PHILIP STACK ’98 and CHAD DIXON ’98 — Dieterich guided the team to a 15-2-2 record in the regular season, with one of the two losses coming against an out-of-state, nationally-ranked opponent.

Just like their Football classmates, the team earned the No. 1 seed in the division with a dominant regular season. The Irish opened the postseason with a Region Championship, capped off by a 1-0 win over BGA in the final. That fostered plenty of confidence entering the State Tournament, which opened with a win over Evangelical Christian in Memphis on the same day as graduation. Then, Father Ryan continued its trek back across the state to face off with Notre Dame in Chattanooga. Father Ryan midfielder BEN STOLT ’99 and midfielder KEVIN NEBEL ’99 each scored a first-half goal, with both goals coming within 90 seconds of one another. A goal by midfielder KEVIN GALLAGHER ’99 in the final three minutes of play put the finishing touches on a 3-0 Father Ryan win. The Photivihok brothers assisted on all three goals, with forward LUKE PHOTIVIHOK ’99 assisting on the first two and forward MARK PHOTIVIHOK ’01 notching an assist on the third.

The Championship match against Baylor was nowhere near as stressfree. Four yellow cards were issued during the match, three of which went against Father Ryan. Add to that the hometown Red Raiders scoring the first goal just over two minutes into the game, and the climb was steep.

But steep does not mean insurmountable, and Dieterich’s team came back. Luke Photivihok ’99 scored 15 minutes after Baylor’s opening goal to tie the game at 1-1, and he assisted on the game-winning goal by forward CHARLES GIRTMAN ’98 . That goal, alongside the staunch defense anchored by goalkeeper MATT GOTTERER ’99 — who allowed just the one goal during the entire tournament — brought the season and the Seniors’ Father Ryan careers to a storybook finish. The win clinched Father Ryan’s third Soccer State Championship in school history, the first of 10 Dieterich has led during his tenure at the helm of one of the state’s elite soccer programs.

The 1998 Boys Soccer team has been inducted into the Father Ryan Hall of Fame.

Ryan Nation has been showing its Purple Pride

Our social media feeds are packed full with arts activities, athletic triumphs, and student service projects – each one showing why it is always a great day to be Irish! Follow us on social media to see our Irish community in action.

770 Norwood Drive Nashville, TN 37204

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MAKE PLANS TO ENJOY THIS IRISH SPRING!

Baccalaureate/Graduation Weekend - May 12-13, 2023

Lou Graham Alumni Golf Tournament - June 2, 2023

All Alumni Reunion Reception - June 2, 2023

Reunion Class Parties - June 3, 2023

Golden Grad Mass and Brunch - June 4, 2023

And save these Irish dates: Homecoming on Sept. 29; Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 10; Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 9; and Young Alumni Lunch on Dec. 18.